960 Chapter 7
MID#2300
Dispute Number: 2300
Date(s): January 4, 1894
Participants: 220 France/200 United Kingdom
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: In 1893, both the French and British troop divisions in West Africa were
struggling to eradicate the Sofa tribe in their respective territories. In doing so the
French pushed a section of the tribe into southern British territory and followed them
into the territory of Kouranko. The fleeing Sofas took refuge in Warina, and were
driven out by the British troops, who stationed themselves there. The pursuing French
mistook the British troops in Warina for Sofas, and attacked them. Reports used the
term “collision” to describe the incident, suggesting that the British troops returned
fire. Three British officers were killed in the fray. The French government was quick
to admit that the attack was a mistake and expressed regret for the incident.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from December 23, 1893. End Date changed
from December 23, 1893. Fatalities changed from None.
MID#152
Dispute Number: 152
Date(s): December 7, 1896 to June 14, 1898
Participants: 220 France/200 United Kingdom
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute describes a crisis between the British and the French regard-
ing their colonies in West Africa. The British held Nigeria while the French wanted
to connect recently acquired Dahomey (Benin) with older holdings in the area. As a
result, an expedition of Frenchmen was sent to the disputed territories of Boussa (on
February 13, 1897) and Nikki (November 30). Britain responded poorly, and war
between the two sides seemed likely. The crisis was resolved by a June 14, 1898,
agreement. The French retained Nikki while the British obtained Boussa. The treaty
also formalized the boundary between their respective colonies.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from December 1896.
MID#77
Dispute Number: 77
Date(s): July 10, 1898 to March 21, 1899
Participants: 200 United Kingdom/220 France
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute is the Fashoda Crisis, which brought the British and the
French to the brink of war over their respective possessions in Africa. The “Scramble
for Africa” included several European powers, but both France and Britain played