For example , even when slavery was deemed illegal , colonial authorities would return escaped slaves to their masters .
As European authorities began to take over large parts of inland Africa starting in the 1870s , the colonial policies were often confusing on the issue .
Even when slavery was deemed illegal , colonial authorities would return escaped slaves to their masters .
As European authorities began to take over large parts of inland Africa starting in the 1870s , the colonial policies were often confusing on the issue .