That's why I mention that there can be no link between colonization never happening and Africa ending up a utopia because of that. Humankind, every last culture, even including Buddhists, is a warring species. When the first Europeans landed in Africa, the tribes were slaughtering each other and have been forever. Like everyone else in the world. At the same time Europe was at constant war with itself, but Europe is a continent of scarce resources, so they came to Africa because there is/was an abundance from which to grease their war machines and amass colonial power.
During WW1, there were actually German and English gunships on Lake Malawi.
The French, Dutch and British fought battle after battle on the shores of what is now South Africa, all trying to capture this strategic and resource rich corner of the earth. While this was happening and before he ever set eyes on a white man, King Shaka Zulu played his role as the Genghis Khan of Africa. He overpowered and slaughtered every tribe he came across, took their land and property and forced all captured able bodied men into his army.
We've been at war since the first groups of humans started bumping into each other. Every culture, every colour, every religion. From China to the Americas, Europe to Africa. War has shaped everything about us. We are brutal, opportunistic and power-hungry by nature. And fearful and xenophobic. A psychotic combo for The Crown of Creation to have hanging around its neck.
Some may ask, why does this white guy have so much to say about these things? Because I am 45 years old, born in Africa, my body as it stands 100% constructed from the minerals of its soil and have been surrounded by millions of black people all my life. I have never seen the West. As a kid, I saw the horrors of apartheid with my own eyes and the long term aftermath of brutal and dehumansing occupation by imperialists.
So my perspective is a grassroots one, something I live and breathe. And I grew up dirt-poor by white standards, so my empathy with the downtrodden of any race is pretty strong. But I'm also realistic. Individuals and small groups of people are usually kind and even altruistic, but within a bigger group context or as a species as a whole, we are a bunch of assholes.
I would add one thing that we are more like a bunch of followers with a few assholes leading the way.
You left no stone unturned in giving details as to how colonialism raped Africa without mercy. It is only who witnessed firsthand and felt its long drawn adverse effect can be this empathic. It's sad memories my friend.