Spoke 04
AfricaPolitical Timelines
From partition by outside powers to independence, unity and new constitutions.
The timeline
Turning points
- 1884–85Berlin
The Berlin Conference
European powers met in Berlin to set rules for claiming African territory, a milestone in the colonial partition of the continent.
- 1957March 6
Ghana's independence
Under Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana became independent from Britain, an early landmark of decolonisation south of the Sahara.
- 1960Independence
The Year of Africa
Seventeen African countries gained independence in a single year, most of them from France.
- 1963Addis Ababa
The Organisation of African Unity
Independent African states founded the OAU in Addis Ababa to support decolonisation and cooperation.
- 1994April 27
South Africa votes
South Africa held its first elections open to all races, ending apartheid; Nelson Mandela became president.
- 2002Durban
The African Union
The African Union succeeded the OAU, with a broader mandate on governance, peace and security.