Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Treaty of Dongsang

On February 20, 1867, in the East African Colony, Sultan Majid is faced with the unappealing terms of a treaty presented by Von der Leyen. The treaty effectively turns the Sultanate of Zanzibar into a colony under East African control.

Majid Sultan is displeased with the treaty, which not only restricts the territorial sovereignty of Zanzibar but also disbands its military forces, except for a small royal guard. Even Zanzibar's old battleships are seized by the East African colonies to protect the coastal areas.

Von der Leyen argues that the treaty is lenient, as the East African colonies will provide slaves and ivory, eliminating the need for the Sultanate of Zanzibar to control the East African coast. He also promises to maintain the slave market on Zanzibar Island, controlled by Zanzibar, ensuring the continuation of this trade.

Majid hesitates and discusses the matter with his ministers. They acknowledge that the treaty is not favorable but urge Majid to accept it in exchange for their freedom. They argue that the primary interests of Zanzibar are in the slave and ivory trade, and losing the coastal territory to the Germans is a small price to pay for their release.

Ultimately, under pressure from his ministers, Majid Sultan decides to sign the treaty, known historically as the "Treaty of Dongsang."

The treaty includes several key points:

1. The Sultanate of Zanzibar hands over part of its mainland territory to the East African colonial government.

2. Zanzibar disarms all military forces except for the royal guard, limited to no more than 200 individuals.

3. The East African colonial government is responsible for the security of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and has the right to station troops on Zanzibar Island.

With the signing of this treaty, the Sultanate of Zanzibar effectively becomes a colony of the East African colonial government. While East African colonies enjoy numerous privileges in Zanzibar, they agree not to interfere significantly in the Sultanate's internal affairs, as long as they don't threaten East African interests.

Through the "Treaty of Dongsang," the East African colony gains control of all the coastal lands of the Sultanate of Zanzibar in Tanzania and Kenya, significantly expanding its territory to approximately 1.2 million square kilometers.

(End of Chapter 66)