Was there ever evidence of slavery in Africa among indigenous people?

Yes, slavery existed among indigenous African societies before European colonization. The enslavement of individuals and groups within African societies was a complex phenomenon that varied across regions and time periods. Here are a few examples:

1. Ancient Ghana and Mali: In the medieval era, the powerful empires of Ghana and Mali practiced slavery. Slaves were often prisoners of war, criminals, or individuals sold into servitude by their own families. They performed various tasks, including agricultural labor, domestic work, and military service.

2. Asante Kingdom: The Asante Kingdom, which flourished in present-day Ghana, engaged in slave trading and used enslaved people for various purposes. Slaves could be obtained through warfare, trade, or as punishment for crimes.

3. Atlantic Slave Trade: While the transatlantic slave trade was primarily driven by European colonists, it involved collaboration with African societies and rulers. Some African groups actively participated in the capture, sale, and transportation of enslaved individuals to the coast, where they were sold to European traders.

It's important to note that indigenous African societies did not engage in slavery on the same scale as the transatlantic slave trade, which was organized and executed primarily by European powers. However, the existence of indigenous slavery in Africa highlights the complex social, economic, and political dynamics of the continent prior to European colonization.