What role did Europeans play in central Africa history?

Europeans played a significant role in Central Africa's history primarily through colonization and the exploitation of resources. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw European powers carve up the region, leading to the imposition of colonial rule that disrupted local societies and economies. This period was marked by the extraction of Natural Resources, the establishment of plantations, and the spread of European culture and religion, often accompanied by significant violence and oppression. The legacies of colonialism continue to impact Central Africa's political, social, and economic dynamics today.