Mali declares independence
French Sudan joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Benin achieves independence from France and becomes a republic
In 1958, France granted autonomy to the Republic of Dahomey, and full independence on 1 August 1960, which is celebrated each year as Independence Day, a national holiday.
Madagascar declares independence from France
The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed in 1958 as an autonomous state within the French Community. A period of provisional government ended with the adoption of a constitution in 1959 and independence in 1960.
Senegal and the French Sudan merge to form the Mali Federation, gaining independence from France
In January 1959, Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on 20 June 1960. The transfer of power agreement with France was signed on 4 April 1960.
Ghana declares independence from the United Kingdom and establishes its new nation
On 6 March 1957, Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana’s establishment and autonomy. On 1 July 1960, following the Ghanaian constitutional referendum, 1960 and Ghanaian presidential election, 1960 Nkrumah declared Ghana as a republic as the first President of Ghana.
Malawi gains independence from Britain
In 1964 the British protectorate over Nyasaland was ended and Nyasaland became an independent country under Queen Elizabeth II with the new name Malawi.
The Belgian Congo establishes Albert National Park, Africa’s first national park
Now known as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the park was established to protect forest habitats for local gorilla populations. In 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated in a region deeply impacted by the effects of war and armed conflict for over 20 years, Virunga is now protected by a dedicated team of 689 rangers. These rangers go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the Park’s exceptional wildlife.
Blaise Diagne becomes first black African elected to the French Chamber of Deputies
The Senegalese-French political leader was the first black Africa to hold a position in the French government.
John Langalibalele Dube and other South African leaders form the South African Native National Congress to combat racial injustice
Decades later, the SANNC became the African National Congress (ANC) and was a prominent player in dismantling apartheid under leader Nelson Mandela.
Cape Colony, the Natal Colony, the Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony unite to form the Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa is the historical predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa. It included the territories that were formerly a part of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.