Africa marks 50 years of independence

Special Report

Last modification: 06/08/10

In 1960, 17 sub-Saharan African nations gained independence from their European colonists. On the 50th anniversary of their independence, FRANCE 24 takes a look at each nation with special reports, portraits and analyses.

AFRICA

Whither the United States of Africa ?

(6) comments

RFI

Houphouët's ghost haunts Côte d'Ivoire's 50th anniversary

Côte d'Ivoire marks 50 years of independence on 7 August, but unlike many of the other former French colonies in Africa that did the same this year, the event will be muted. An eight-year-old political crisis has stalled Côte d'Ivoire's progress, tarnished its reputation and many there don't really feel there is much to celebrate.

DR CONGO

Congolese confront dashed dreams on Independence Day

On June 30, the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks 50 years since gaining independence. But for Simon Bokongo, director of a local human rights NGO, poverty, security and healthcare are still a long way from adequate in the country.

SPECIAL REPORT

The slow decline of French influence in Africa

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TRADE

China: Africa's new best friend

Since the mid-1990s, China has embraced trade with several African economies. The overall volume of trade between the Asian giant and the African continent now exceeds 100 billion dollars annually.

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AFRICA

1960: The year of independence

Between January and December of 1960, 17 sub-Saharan African nations, including 14 former French colonies, gained independence from their former European colonists. FRANCE24.com takes a look back on an eventful year.

(12) comments

TOGO - INDEPENDENCE

Fifty years on, much remains to be done, says Togo's King Mensah

Togo’s most celebrated singer, King Mensah, came to Paris in early April to record his sixth album. Also a dedicated social activist, Mensah spoke to France24.com about his homeland as it celebrates 50 years of independence on April 27.

(1) comment

AFRICA

'Cameroon has grown up', says first white woman mayor

Marie-Hélène Ngoa-Guislain, a white French-born academic, has a tough job ahead of her as mayor of an impoverished town in central Cameroon. But in the face of endemic corruption, she believes there is still hope for this young republic.

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External Links

'The Story of Africa' on the BBC

Timeline of independence (BBC)

The France24 Debate