Mali Federation Facts for Kids

The Mali Federation was a country in West Africa. It was formed when two countries, Senegal and what was then called French Sudan (now Mali), decided to join together. The Federation began on April 4, 1959, and was initially controlled by France. However, it quickly gained its full independence on June 20, 1960.

The leader of the Mali Federation was its prime minister, Modibo Keïta. The capital city, where the government was located, was Dakar. The Federation did not last long after becoming independent. It ended on August 20, 1960, because Senegal decided to leave. This happened due to disagreements about how the new country should be run.

What Was the Mali Federation?
Key People
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What Was the Mali Federation?

The Mali Federation was a country that existed for a very short time. It was located in the western part of Africa. Two countries, Senegal and Mali, decided to unite and form this new nation. At that time, Mali was known by a different name, French Sudan.

This union was a big step for both countries. They hoped that by joining together, they would become stronger. They also wanted to have more influence in the region.

How the Federation Began

The idea for the Mali Federation came from a desire for unity. Many leaders in West Africa believed that working together was important. They thought it would help them gain independence from France. It would also help them build stronger economies.

The Federation officially started on April 4, 1959. Before this, both Senegal and French Sudan were under French rule. The formation of the Federation was a step towards self-governance.

Becoming Independent

Even though the Mali Federation was formed, it was still connected to France. It was not fully independent at first. However, the leaders of the Federation worked hard to gain complete freedom.

Their efforts paid off quickly. On June 20, 1960, the Mali Federation became a fully independent country. This was a very important day for the people of both Senegal and Mali. It meant they could now make all their own decisions.

Why the Federation Ended

Sadly, the Mali Federation did not last very long after independence. It only existed for about two months as a free nation. The main reason for its end was political disagreements.

Leaders from Senegal and Mali had different ideas. They disagreed on how the new country should be governed. These differences became too big to overcome. Because of this, Senegal decided to leave the Federation. Senegal left on August 20, 1960. After Senegal left, the Mali Federation officially ended. Both countries then became separate independent nations.

Key People

Some important people were involved in the Mali Federation:

Modibo Keïta: He was the first and only Prime Minister of the Mali Federation. He was from Mali (French Sudan).
Léopold Sédar Senghor: He was a key leader from Senegal. He played a big role in the Federation's formation.
Mamadou Dia: Another important political figure from Senegal. He worked alongside Senghor.
Charles de Gaulle: He was the President of France at the time. He was involved in the independence process of many African colonies.