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Central African Independence
A chronology of colonization and independence.

[Gazetteer Index page]

Cameroon
Official name: Republic of Cameroon
Independence from France and Britain: 1960/61

The region was inhabited by north-western Bantu societies and was typified by the Duala who had established themselves as a centralized state in the 18th century and prospered form the trade in slaves from the Bamenda grasslands of the interior. It was under the nominal influence of the British until it was annexed by Germany in 1884. In 1919, following the First World War, Cameroon was divided between the French and the British. In 1955 the French killed 10,000 locals during a revolt, and the continued disturbances resulted in the French sector declaring independence in 1960. The British southern sector joined Cameroon in 1961 whilst the northern sector voted to join Nigeria.


Central African Republic, CAR
Official name: Central African Republic
Independence from France: 1960

As part of French Equatorial Africa the colony of Ubangi-Shari was established in 1905. It gained autonomy as the Central African Republic in 1958, and full independence in 1960.


Chad
Official name: Republic of Chad
Independence from France: 1960

Chad came under Arab domination during the expansion of Islam through the Northern Africa. French colonial interests resulted in the deposition of the last Arab ruler in 1900. Independence from France was achieved in 1960.


Congo
Official name: The Republic of the Congo
Independence from France: 1960

The region was first inhabited by Bantu speaking peoples in the 15th century. When the French annexed the area in the 1880's, the two kingdoms of Teke and Loango were incorporated into the Middle Congo which formed part of French Equatorial Africa. Independence was achieved in 1960.


Central Africa: [Cameroon - Congo], [D.R.C. - Sao Tome & Principe]

[Gazetteer Index page]

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