Identify any four features of the policy of indirect rule in West Africa.

Answer Details

Features of the Policy of Indirect Rule in West Africa

Indirect rule was the British system of governing their colonies through existing traditional rulers and native institutions. Its main features were:

1. Use of traditional rulers: The British governed the people through their own chiefs, emirs and kings, who ruled on behalf of and under the supervision of British officials.
2. Native Authorities: Local administration was organised around Native Authorities headed by the traditional ruler, who exercised executive powers over their areas.
3. Native/Customary Courts: Courts were established to administer justice based largely on native law and custom, presided over by the traditional rulers.
4. Native Treasury (Beit-el-mal): Each Native Authority kept a treasury into which local taxes were paid and out of which local services and salaries were financed.
5. Supervision by British Residents and District Officers: British officers advised, guided and controlled the traditional rulers, ensuring that colonial policies were carried out.
6. Retention of native laws and customs: The system preserved and worked through existing customs, so long as they were not repugnant to natural justice.

(Any four of the above are acceptable.)