Salute to Our African Nations
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This article continues our salute to the independence anniversary of African nations, acknowledging our respect and appreciation of our brothers and sisters among us as we work together to build better lives.
Malawi’s Path to Independence: July 6, 1964
Malawi, known as Nasyland under British control, officially gained its independence on July 6, 1964. The independence movement was led by Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who became Malawi’s first Prime Minister and later its first President when the country became a republic in 1966. After independence, Banda established a one-party state under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), remaining in power until his death in 1994. Malawi then transitioned to multiparty democracy, holding its first free elections under a new constitution.
Comoros’ Path to Independence: July 6, 1975
The Comoros became independent on July 6, 1975, ending over 130 years of French control. The archipelago is made up of four islands: Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli and Mayotte. However, when granted independence, the island of Mayotte voted in favor of remaining under French rule and still does to this day. This territorial division remains a point of contention between the Comoros and the French government.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Path to Independence: July 12, 1975
São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. After Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution, which ended the country’s dictatorship, negotiations with the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) led to a transfer of sovereignty. In its early years, São Tomé and Príncipe operated as a one-party state before adopting a multiparty democratic system in 1990.
South Sudan’s Path to Independence: July 9, 2011
On July 9, 2011 South Sudan seceded from Sudan, making it the world’s newest independent nation. When Sudan became independent in 1956, promises of autonomy for the southern region were not fulfilled, leading to two prolonged civil wars (1955–1972 and 1983–2005). The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended the Second Sudanese Civil War, granting Southern Sudan autonomy and the right to hold an independence referendum. The people of Sudan currently face a severe humanitarian crisis due to decades of civil war, political and economic instability, and climate disasters.