Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza signs a protection treaty with the Teke chief, beginning a French protectorate on the north bank of the Congo

Background. Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, an Italian-French explorer, reached the Congo River in 1880 via the Lefini River, avoiding Portuguese claims. He proposed that the Teke chief, Makoko, place his kingdom under French protection. This diplomatic approach, characterized as peaceful, contrasted with military conquest and set the stage for French imperial expansion in Central Africa.

Treaty Terms and Succession. The treaty was signed between King Iloo I (Makoko) and Brazza. Although Iloo I died in the same year, the terms were upheld by his queen, Ngalifourou, who became an influential figure in French colonial life. The agreement established a protectorate over the Bateke people along the north bank of the Congo River.

Establishment of Mfoa. Makoko arranged for a French settlement at Mfoa on the Congo's Malebo Pool, later known as Brazzaville. After Brazza's departure, the outpost was manned by laptots under Senegalese Sergeant Malamine Camara. This settlement became the capital of the Republic of the Congo, retaining its name post-colonially.