News / National
Zimbabwet engages UK on repatriating stolen archives
3 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe is making significant progress in negotiations with the United Kingdom to reclaim valuable historical records taken during the colonial era, aiming to follow the successful example set by Kenya in repatriating its migrated archives.
The call for the return of displaced African archives was a key focus at the recently concluded 28th Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (Esarbica) Biennial Conference held in Victoria Falls. The event convened archivists, historians, and government officials to deliberate on the challenges posed by archival displacement.
In an interview, National Archives of Zimbabwe Director Brenda Mamvura confirmed that talks with the British Museum are ongoing. "Regarding the migrated archives, we are engaging with the British Museum in that regard, but I think as a Government we have to make modalities to have that heritage repatriated back home," she said.
Mamvura pointed to Kenya's successful reclamation of its archives as a blueprint. "Within the region, we have Kenya, which is also part of Esarbica, and Kenya has managed to successfully repatriate its migrated archives from the same museum. So, I think we have to take a cue from what Kenya did."
The issue of migrated archives remains a painful legacy of colonial plunder, with many African countries still striving to recover critical documents essential for reconstructing their histories.
Renowned archivist and academic Professor Nathan Mnjama from the University of Botswana, who delivered the conference's keynote address, underscored the profound significance of archives. Quoting the International Council on Archives (ICA), he said: "Archives constitute the memory of nations and societies, shape their identity, and are a cornerstone of the information society."
Prof Mnjama defined migrated archives as records that have been displaced from their country of origin, often referred to as fugitive archival materials or missing documents. These include colonial administrative records held in European countries, documents taken during independence to avoid exposure of colonial abuses, regional records such as those from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Zimbabwean archives held in South Africa, personal collections of colonial officials held abroad, liberation movement documents from groups like Zimbabwe's Zanu and Zapu, and missionary records held by religious organizations overseas.
He revealed that Britain deliberately removed sensitive files to avoid accountability, citing a 1961 colonial office directive instructing that successor governments should not receive records that might embarrass Her Majesty's Government or expose intelligence sources. This deliberate removal has left significant gaps in Africa's historical narrative.
"The absence of these records has had severe repercussions," Prof Mnjama explained, "including denied citizens' access to critical historical data, hindered efforts to hold colonial powers accountable, and complicated land restitution claims - particularly in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where colonial land seizures remain unresolved."
He noted Kenya's experience as a beacon of hope. In 2011, after years of denial, Britain acknowledged holding over 2,700 files on sensitive matters such as the Mau Mau uprising. Following legal action by Kenyan freedom fighters, Britain settled out of court and agreed to digitise the archives. However, some records remain classified, and digital preservation demands ongoing investment - a cautionary lesson for Zimbabwe.
Prof Mnjama outlined crucial factors for successful repatriation: robust government support, careful planning and funding, legal and diplomatic negotiations, and collaboration with researchers and institutions.
For Zimbabwe, reclaiming these archives goes beyond restoring historical documents; it is a step toward restoring justice, reclaiming identity, and securing a complete and truthful national memory.
The call for the return of displaced African archives was a key focus at the recently concluded 28th Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (Esarbica) Biennial Conference held in Victoria Falls. The event convened archivists, historians, and government officials to deliberate on the challenges posed by archival displacement.
In an interview, National Archives of Zimbabwe Director Brenda Mamvura confirmed that talks with the British Museum are ongoing. "Regarding the migrated archives, we are engaging with the British Museum in that regard, but I think as a Government we have to make modalities to have that heritage repatriated back home," she said.
Mamvura pointed to Kenya's successful reclamation of its archives as a blueprint. "Within the region, we have Kenya, which is also part of Esarbica, and Kenya has managed to successfully repatriate its migrated archives from the same museum. So, I think we have to take a cue from what Kenya did."
The issue of migrated archives remains a painful legacy of colonial plunder, with many African countries still striving to recover critical documents essential for reconstructing their histories.
Renowned archivist and academic Professor Nathan Mnjama from the University of Botswana, who delivered the conference's keynote address, underscored the profound significance of archives. Quoting the International Council on Archives (ICA), he said: "Archives constitute the memory of nations and societies, shape their identity, and are a cornerstone of the information society."
Prof Mnjama defined migrated archives as records that have been displaced from their country of origin, often referred to as fugitive archival materials or missing documents. These include colonial administrative records held in European countries, documents taken during independence to avoid exposure of colonial abuses, regional records such as those from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Zimbabwean archives held in South Africa, personal collections of colonial officials held abroad, liberation movement documents from groups like Zimbabwe's Zanu and Zapu, and missionary records held by religious organizations overseas.
He revealed that Britain deliberately removed sensitive files to avoid accountability, citing a 1961 colonial office directive instructing that successor governments should not receive records that might embarrass Her Majesty's Government or expose intelligence sources. This deliberate removal has left significant gaps in Africa's historical narrative.
"The absence of these records has had severe repercussions," Prof Mnjama explained, "including denied citizens' access to critical historical data, hindered efforts to hold colonial powers accountable, and complicated land restitution claims - particularly in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where colonial land seizures remain unresolved."
He noted Kenya's experience as a beacon of hope. In 2011, after years of denial, Britain acknowledged holding over 2,700 files on sensitive matters such as the Mau Mau uprising. Following legal action by Kenyan freedom fighters, Britain settled out of court and agreed to digitise the archives. However, some records remain classified, and digital preservation demands ongoing investment - a cautionary lesson for Zimbabwe.
Prof Mnjama outlined crucial factors for successful repatriation: robust government support, careful planning and funding, legal and diplomatic negotiations, and collaboration with researchers and institutions.
For Zimbabwe, reclaiming these archives goes beyond restoring historical documents; it is a step toward restoring justice, reclaiming identity, and securing a complete and truthful national memory.
Source - The Chronicle
