1965: Rhodesia Declares Independence
Rhodesia announced its independence from Great Britain, in defiance of the British government. Rhodesia's government, which was led by Ian Smith, was all white in a country that was almost…
1965: Gambia Gains Independence
On February 18th Gambia became a fully independent country. A referendum on becoming a republic was not a success. The first Prime Minister was Dawanda Jawara.
1964: the US and Belgium Intervene in Congo
In November 1964, Belgium and the United States intervened militarily in the Congo crisis to "recover hostages from Simba's captivity."
1964: Tanganyika and Zanzibar Merge to Become Tanzania
Tanganyika became independent officially in 1962 and Zanzibar had become independent in 1963. The predominately Arab government was overthrown by Black nationalists in 1964. Subsequently, President Nyerere of Tanganyika suggested…
1963: Kenya Declares Independence
On December 12th, Great Britain granted Kenya independence within the British Commonwealth. Its first leader was Jomo Kenyatta.
1963: OAU Founded
Representatives of 30 of the 32 independent nations of Africa met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to create the Organization of African Unity (OAU). An outgrowth of the Pan-Africanist movement started…