Senegal Independence Day – April 4, 2024

History of Senegal Independence Day

Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent. It is officially known as the Republic of Senegal. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Senegal is a country of historical and archeological importance. Archeologists found evidence that points to ancient settlements throughout the region. It is an area that is continuously occupied to this day from the ancient era. Around the seventh century, kingdoms like Takrur, Namandiru, and Jolof were formed in the region. It was also a part of the great Ghana Empire that flourished between 300 – 1100 A.D.

The colonial era of the country began around 1444 when the Portuguese started landing on the Senegal coastline. Various European powers competed for trade in the region in the years that followed. Ultimately, the French dominated Senegal and made it a center for the slave trade. The Battle of Logandème was one of the first uprisings against French rule.

After countless struggles and massive conflicts throughout the year and due to the changes in the political scenario in Europe and Africa, Senegal gained independence on April 4, 1960. But before that, Senegal and French Sudan merged into the Mali Federation. However, the internal issues and difficulty in governing forced them to break into different states. Léopold Sédar Senghor became the first president of the country and ruled under a parliamentary system. By 1962, they adopted a new constitution and consolidated the powers of the president under it.