How religious missions shaped the territory of Central Africa?

Have you ever wondered how religious missions influenced the geography of Central Africa? This study reveals a deep connection between colonial territorial management and the legacy of missions. Three key processes emerge: 'land sanctuarization', where missions gain rights over lands considered 'empty'; the formation of an 'ecclesiastical dominium', with the transfer of lands from the state to missions; and postcolonial dynamics that create new territorial polarities. A transversal approach could help better manage these legacies, fostering a pluralistic reterritorialization.

Land sanctuarization is a complex process involving the transformation of traditional lands into mission property. This often happens through agreements with colonial authorities, who consider these lands 'vacant' because they are not exploited according to European standards. Ecclesiastical dominium is manifested through the transfer of lands from the state to missions, which become administrative intermediaries. Postcolonial dynamics show how new territorial polarities are created along the center-periphery axis, with missions continuing to play a crucial role in reterritorialization.