Imperial ambitions inevitably clash when the intentions…

Imperial ambitions inevitably clash when the intentions of the various European countries become obvious.

In 1885 at the Berlin Conference, the European powers had attempted to resolve their conflicts of interest by allotting areas of exploitation.

The conferees also enunciated the principle, known as the dual mandate, that the best interests of Europe and Africa would be served by maintaining free access to the continent for trade and by providing Africa with the benefits of Europe's civilizing mission

Britain's claims to a sphere of influence in the Niger Basin were acknowledged formally, but it was stipulated here as elsewhere that only effective occupation would secure full international recognition.

In the end, pressure in the region from France and Germany hastens the establishment of effective British occupation.