River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile

Europeans hired abbans, or protectors, from within the region for their expeditions. Europeans tasked abbans with negotiating with locals, finding guides, accommodations, and pack animals, and fighting on behalf of the expedition should the need arise. Burton explains the abban role in his writings: “The Abban acts at once as broker, escort, agent, and interpreter […] and the institution may be considered the earliest form of transit duties” (42-43). In return for fulling their duties, the abbans received small gifts from the European explorers, such as beads and clothing, and some money from sales conducted during the expedition. The abbanship system was good for local economies. However, Candice Millard emphasizes that “the system was ripe for exploitation on both sides” (41). She recounts how Speke was unable to reach Wady Nogal because his abban took advantage of his experience. This event resulted in Burton publicly criticizing the abbanship system, which is likely why the Somali group attacked Burton and his team at Berbera. This action resulted in the failure of Burton’s first expedition to find the source of the Nile as well as the death of his friend Stroyan.