Pre-colonial West Africa had a high regard and need for diplomacy.
West African people didn't import diplomacy or warfare through colonization, these were social aspects that existed throughout the world at that time.
In fact, West African diplomacy and the rules of warfare were in many ways much more civilized and humane than those of European contemporaries. Look at the foreign policy practiced by Spain or Great Britain if you want to see an example of true savagery.
One of the most pertinent interstate values that pre-colonial West Africa had was its ability to forget animosity.
Wars between countries or regions were short-lived, and nations were often able to overcome their differences fairly soon after war had been fought.
This kind of diplomacy is rarely seen outside of West-Africa,
Mazrui had a great phrase for this: ‘Africa’s short memory of hate.'
A good example of pre-colonial West African neighbors managing to overcome differences following conflicted is seen in the Oyo and Borgu union, which came about to fight a common enemy: Jihadists.
Both Oyo and Borgu had inflicted damages on each other, but were willing to put this history behind them to ward off a greater evil,
If only modern politicians were able to observe and learn from the traditions of pre-colonial West Africa, I believe the world would be a more harmonious and peaceful place.
