Independence Days of African Nations

Photo : African Renaissance Monument Dakar, Senegal

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Africa, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, has a rich and complex history. One of the most significant chapters in this history is the wave of independence movements that swept across the continent in the mid-20th century. This article provides a detailed overview of the independence dates of African nations, the colonial powers they gained independence from, and some frequently asked questions about African independence.

Table of African Independence Dates

African Independence Dates

Country	Independence Date	Colonial Power
Algeria	July 5, 1962	France
Angola	November 11, 1975	Portugal
Benin	August 1, 1960	France
Botswana	September 30, 1966	Great Britain
Burkina Faso	August 5, 1960	France
Burundi	July 1, 1962	Belgium
Cameroon	January 1, 1960	France
Cabo Verde	July 5, 1975	Portugal
Central African Republic	August 13, 1960	France
Chad	August 11, 1960	France
Comoros	July 6, 1975	France
Congo, Democratic Republic of	June 30, 1960	Belgium
Congo, Republic of	August 15, 1960	France
Côte d’Ivoire	August 7, 1960	France
Djibouti	June 27, 1977	France
Egypt	Check Below 1	Check Below 1
Equatorial Guinea	October 12, 1968	Spain
Eritrea	May 24, 1993	Ethiopia
Eswatini	September 6, 1968	Great Britain
Ethiopia	Check Below 2	Check Below 2
Gabon	August 17, 1960	France
Gambia, The	February 18, 1965	Great Britain
Ghana	March 6, 1957	Great Britain
Guinea	October 2, 1958	France
Guinea-Bissau	September 10, 1974	Portugal
Kenya	December 12, 1963	Great Britain
Lesotho	October 4, 1966	Great Britain
Liberia	Check Below 3	Check Below 3
Libya	Check Below 4	Check Below 4
Madagascar	June 26, 1960	France
Malawi	July 6, 1964	Great Britain
Mali	September 22, 1960	France
Mauritania	November 28, 1960	France
Mauritius	March 12, 1968	France
Morocco	March 2, 1956	France
Mozambique	June 25, 1975	Portugal
Namibia	March 21, 1990	South Africa
Niger	August 3, 1960	France
Nigeria	October 1, 1960	Great Britain
Rwanda	July 1, 1962	Belgium
Sao Tome and Principe	July 12, 1975	Portugal
Senegal	April 4, 1960	France
Seychelles	June 29, 1976	Great Britain
Sierra Leone	April 27, 1961	Great Britain
Somalia	July 1, 1960	Great Britain and Italy
South Africa	Check Below 5	Check Below 5
South Sudan	July 9, 2011	Sudan
Sudan	January 1, 1956	Egypt and Great Britain
Tanzania	December 9, 1961	Great Britain
Togo	April 27, 1960	France
Tunisia	March 20, 1956	France
Uganda	October 9, 1962	Great Britain
Zambia	October 24, 1964	Great Britain
Zimbabwe	April 18, 1980	Great Britain

Check Below 

1. Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilizations, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Over time, it experienced both independence and foreign rule. The Kingdom of Egypt was officially established on February 22, 1922, though Britain still had control over certain affairs. Following a military coup on July 23, 1952, Egypt became a republic on June 18, 1953.

2. Ethiopia is among the world’s oldest nations and remained independent for most of its history. However, Italy briefly occupied it from 1936 to 1941. On January 31, 1942, Britain formally recognized Ethiopia’s independence.

3. Liberia is the only African country that was never colonized. It was founded in 1821 by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed slaves from the United States. The name "Liberia" was given in 1824, and it became an independent republic on July 26, 1847.

4. Italy started colonizing parts of present-day Libya in 1911. The regions of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan were merged into an Italian colony. After Italy’s defeat in World War II, Libya came under the administration of France and Britain. The United Nations decided on November 21, 1949, that Libya should gain independence by January 1, 1952. Libya officially became independent on December 24, 1951.

5. South Africa became a self-governing dominion under British rule on May 31, 1910. It gained full independence from Britain in 1931 and became a republic in 1961. In 1994, the country transitioned to a democratic system and rejoined the Commonwealth.

The Wave of African Independence

The mid-20th century was a pivotal period for Africa, marked by a series of independence movements that led to the end of colonial rule. This era, often referred to as the "African Independence Era," saw the majority of African nations gaining sovereignty from European colonial powers.

Notable Independence Movements

• Ghana (1957): Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah, a prominent leader, played a significant role in the independence movement.

• Algeria (1962): Algeria's struggle for independence from France was one of the most violent and prolonged, culminating in a brutal war that lasted eight years.

• South Africa (1910/1994): While South Africa gained nominal independence in 1910, the end of apartheid and true democratic governance came in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which African country was the first to gain independence?

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence on March 6, 1957, from Great Britain.

2. Which African country was the last to gain independence?

South Sudan is the most recent African country to gain independence, achieving sovereignty on July 9, 2011, from Sudan.

3. How did World War II influence African independence?

World War II weakened European colonial powers economically and militarily, making it difficult for them to maintain control over their colonies. Additionally, the war exposed the contradictions of fighting for freedom abroad while denying it to colonized peoples at home.

4. What role did nationalism play in African independence?

Nationalism was a driving force behind the independence movements. African leaders and intellectuals mobilized their people around the idea of self-determination and the right to govern themselves.

5. Were all African countries colonized?

Not all African countries were colonized. Ethiopia and Liberia are notable exceptions. Ethiopia successfully resisted colonization, and Liberia was founded by freed American slaves and was never formally colonized.

6. What challenges did newly independent African countries face?

Newly independent African countries faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, ethnic conflicts, and the legacy of colonial borders that often ignored ethnic and cultural realities.

7. How did the Cold War affect African independence?

The Cold War had a significant impact on African independence. Both the United States and the Soviet Union sought to influence newly independent nations, often leading to proxy wars and political instability.

8. What is the significance of African independence?

African independence is significant as it marked the end of colonial exploitation and the beginning of self-governance. It also inspired other colonized regions around the world to fight for their independence.

9. How did colonial powers react to African independence movements?

Colonial powers reacted in various ways, ranging from peaceful transitions of power to violent suppression of independence movements. For example, France granted independence to several of its colonies relatively peacefully, while the Algerian War of Independence was marked by extreme violence.

10. What is the legacy of colonialism in Africa today?

The legacy of colonialism in Africa is complex and multifaceted. It includes economic underdevelopment, political instability, and social fragmentation. However, it also includes the resilience and determination of African peoples to overcome these challenges and build prosperous nations.

Conclusion

The journey to independence for African nations was marked by struggle, sacrifice, and resilience. The table provided offers a snapshot of the key dates and colonial powers involved, but the story of African independence is much richer and more complex. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating the challenges and achievements of African nations today. As we reflect on this pivotal period, we recognize the enduring spirit of a continent that continues to strive for peace, prosperity, and self-determination.

By exploring the FAQs, we gain deeper insights into the factors that shaped African independence and the ongoing impact of colonialism. This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and legacy of African independence.