August 20
Senegal Withdraws from Mali Federation for Independence
Summary
In the wave of decolonization sweeping Africa after World War II, Senegal and French Sudan formed the Mali Federation in 1959 as a step toward self-rule from France. Political tensions quickly emerged over governance and leadership between the two territories. On August 20, 1960, Senegal's National Assembly voted to secede from the short-lived federation. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a prominent poet and politician, led the new Republic of Senegal as its first president. The split occurred just weeks after the federation had gained independence from France on June 20.
Why It Matters
Senegal's separation established it as one of the first stable post-colonial states in West Africa, with Senghor promoting a model of African socialism and cultural revival that influenced the continent. The event highlighted the challenges of federations in newly independent nations and set precedents for peaceful political realignments.
Explore More
Related Events
Sources
- Senegal Gains Independence From France, African American Registry. Accessed 2026-07-02.