Territorial issues have historically assumed a central role in international relations. Despite considerations relating to, for example, human rights and economic and social cooperation, the territorially-based view of international law remains the fundamental model and is subscribed to by third world states. The acquisition of territory in Africa by the European powers in the nineteenth century involved the characterization of the status of the various African communities. They were accepted as holding title to their territory, but not apparently regarded as full subjects of international law. Cession was the primary technique used in the colonization of Africa. The present study analyzes the colonial acquisition of African territory with particular reference to the evolution of the principles of self-determination and its impact upon the law relating to territory.