1957-GhanaGhana receives independence from Great Britain, the first African country to break away from European colonizers. Kwame Nkrumah emerges not only as Ghana's liberator but also as the leader of a pan-African movement, providing inspiration for other nationalist movements.
1959-Zaire
The Belgian Congo (known today as Democratic Republic of Congo) is abruptly granted independence from Belgium in response to riots in the capital city of Leopoldville. The country is renamed Zaire, and its capital city, Kinshasa.
1960-Nigeria
Nigeria receives independence from Great Britain. The first years of independence are marked by corruption, general strikes and violence.
1960-Central African Republic
The Central African Republic receives independence from France. David Dacko is the country's first president.
1962-Burundi
Burundi receives independence from Belgium.
1964-Burundi
A failed coup by Hutu military officers results in a purge of Hutu from the army by Tutsi rulers. (The population in Burundi is about 14 percent Tutsi, 85 percent Hutu, and 1 percent Twa Pygmies. The Tutsis have been the "ruling" tribe since the 16th century.)
1965-Zaire
Joseph Mobutu seizes political power in a military coup.
1966-Ghana
President Nkrumah, pan-African advocate, is ousted by a military coup that results in a power struggle that persists for the next 15 years.
1966-Nigeria
A military takeover of Nigeria results in continued turbulence and civil war.
1966-Central African Republic
Jean-Bédel Bokassa seizes power of the Central African Republic during a military coup. Bokassa establishes one of the most repressive and brutal regimes in Africa.
Next: 1970s
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