Leopold II, this betrayer, leaked information to East Africa, letting East Africa understand the British intentions. It seems that East Africa holds considerable allure for the British.
After communicating with Leopold II, Britain simultaneously contacted countries like Italy, Abyssinia, Egypt, and even the Imerina Kingdom across the Mozambique Channel, engaging them in amicable discussions.
A simple encirclement in all four directions — south, east, north, and west — began to take shape. However, it was clear to anyone perceptive that although this encirclement had its uses, it was ineffective as well.
Especially the northern countries, whose stance towards East Africa was ambiguous; the only nation genuinely siding with Britain was Portugal. Even if other countries actually joined Britain in blockading East Africa, it would be unattainable, much like when Britain once blockaded America, and America easily sidestepped their tactics by turning to the Pacific.
