Definition:
The Loi cadre was a law passed in 1956 by the French National Assembly which provided for universal adult suffrage for all African subjects in French colonies. The law ostensibly gave control over economic development, internal and international defense, and foreign policy to the French government, but allowed self-autonomy over other matters. Félix Houphouët-Boigny, of Côte d'Ivoire, who was the president of the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (RDA, African Democratic Rally) was very influential in getting the law passed. It was, however, oppised by other prominent African leaders, including Léopold Senghor (Senegal) and Sékou Touré (Guinea).
