Gabon
17 August 1960
- Sovereignty from
- France
- Marked as
- Independence Day
- Years sovereign
- 66
The struggle
Gabon's coast held one of France's oldest footholds in Africa, at Libreville, founded in 1849 for freed captives. Timber and later oil made the territory valuable, and French interests pressed hard for a quiet transition. Independence came on 17 August 1960, with France retaining bases and close economic ties.
Key people
Léon M'ba
1902–1967
First president
Jean-Hilaire Aubame
1912–1989
Nationalist rival and deputy in Paris
Wongo
Leader of resistance to French penetration of the interior
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