Diplomacy in Ancient African Kingdoms

Study Notes

In the 16th century, the Congolese embassy was sent to Rome, and in the 17th century, the Ashante Ambassador was sent to the coast.
Kings and great men, including princes from royal families, were dispatched on missions abroad in some states.
Wives of kings, such as the kings of Ashanti and Denkyira, were sent as envoys to each other in the late 17th century.
Priests, like those among the Ibos, were appointed as envoys to negotiate and settle small-scale inter-communal feuds.

Some diplomats were of humble but free birth, who achieved distinction through their talents, such as Agyei, a salt-carrier who rose to become the second linguist of the Ashantehene and later the Foreign Minister of Ashanti.
Linguists were also appointed as diplomats, with the office of the interpreter being a significant one.
In pre-colonial West Africa, there were instances of recognized diplomatic staff, but no centralized foreign office except where Eastern and Western external influences of Islam and Europe were strong.

The Alaafin of Oyo had a highly organized and complex staff comprising household slaves called Ilari, also known as "half-heads," who were paired male and female to ensure the accuracy and security of messages.
Ilari numbered in hundreds and were ranked in seniority, with duties and functions that included carrying out multifarious errands for the Alaafin.

Pre-colonial West African diplomats carried badges of office or credentials, such as the "half-head" hairstyle, fans, batons, canes, whistles, or swords, and specially made diplomatic uniforms like black caps.
These objects extended the king's power and authority to the envoys, ensuring their safe passage and immunity through alien territories.

Diplomatic immunity was an important aspect of West African pre-colonial diplomacy, guaranteeing the safety of diplomats in the course of their duties.
Embassy between two hostile states or governments was permissible in native laws, especially when diplomats carried credentials identifying them as state officials representing their sovereigns.

The growth and development, as well as the decline, of diplomacy have been shaped by factors such as the growing interdependence of states, the proliferation of international organizations, and scientific and technological advancements.