In 1885 and 1890, respectively, the German Empire annexed the two independent African kingdoms of Rwanda and Burundi, forming the northwestern portion of what became the colony of German East Africa. This area was not effectively occupied or controlled by the colonial power, however. For the Belgians, the German presence in East Africa was a threat to the security of Congo. During World War I, … Continue reading German East Africa Under Belgian Occupation #N17 (1916)