Mali

The struggle

French Sudan joined Senegal in the Mali Federation, which became independent in April 1960 and collapsed by August. On 22 September 1960 the remaining territory proclaimed the Republic of Mali, taking the name of the medieval empire deliberately. Modibo Keïta pursued a socialist, non-aligned path and left the CFA franc in 1962.

Key people

• Modibo Keïta

  1915–1977

  First president; leading federalist

• Fily Dabo Sissoko

  1900–1964

  Writer and early nationalist deputy

• Aoua Kéita

  1912–1980

  Midwife and organiser; first woman elected to the assembly