On this day in 1960, Senegal, the small, vibrant coastal country in West Africa, gained its independence from France. Although the event culminating in the country’s independence was not remarkable, the journey to that point was fraught with consistent local resistance and war.
Apart from a seven-year period when Britain took over French posts on the colony, Senegal was under French oversight for nearly 300 years. France’s eventual decolonization of the country was a long process, taking almost 15 years.
Senegal is often celebrated as a symbol of democracy and peace on the African continent. It often participates in peacekeeping throughout the region.
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For its independence celebration, schools are closed for two weeks, and many visit friends and family. On Independence Day, also known as National Day, the country hosts a number of parades, of which the Dioubel Independence Day Parade in Dakar is the largest.
To celebrate their independence day, Face2Face Africa shares with you some notable personalities who are from the West African nation.
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