The African Independence Movements

Ghana, led by Kwame Nkrumah, was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957.

Jomo Kenyatta was the leader of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and became the first president of Kenya after independence in 1963.

Algeria gained independence from France in 1960 after a long and bloody war of independence.

The African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela, was the main political party that fought for the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa.

Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960, becoming the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Robert Mugabe was the leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and became the first president of Zimbabwe after independence in 1980.

Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde all gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

The South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) was the main political party that fought for the independence of Namibia.

Botswana gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.

Ahmed Ben Bella was the leader of the National Liberation Front (FLN) and became the first president of Algeria after independence in 1962.

Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain in 1968.

The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was the main political party that fought for the independence of Angola.

Libya gained independence from Italy in 1952.

Ahmed Sékou Touré was the leader of the Democratic Party of Guinea and became the first president of Guinea after independence in 1958.

Mali, Niger, Chad, and Mauritania all gained independence from France in 1960.