With the development of African nationalism we mean the growth of national consciousness about belonging to Africa. Modern African nationalism developed in Africa due to the conditions that occurred within Africa and the diaspora (outside Africa). The factors are therefore categorized as external and internal. In this chapter we start by examining the external factors followed by the internal ones. The countries of Africa waged struggles for freedom from European imperialist exploitation thanks to the impact of liberal forces on the continent.

Emergence of New Nation States

Several new nations emerged in Africa by 1965. They included Libya, Sudan, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Guinea, Cameron Togo, Malagasy Republic, Congo (Leopoldville), Congo (Brazzaville), Somali Republic, Dahomey, Niger, Upper Volta, Ivory Coast, Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, U.A.R and Ethiopia.

However, factors such as excessive poverty, illiteracy and the inadequacy of good leadership caused a lack of stability in these newly formed states in Africa. Thus for example, in the Congo (DRC), General Joseph Mobutu, Chief of the Congolese forces, ousted President Joseph Kasavubu, in a bloodless coup d'etat in November 1965. Again, in February 1966, President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana was removed from authority and was replaced by Major General J.A. Ankrah.

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (right) in stately glamour, charms other African brother heads of government. On his right is Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, far the right is Dr Siaka Stevens of Sierra Leone. On the left is Dr Apollo Milton Obote of Uganda. Behind them are their retinue if aides. Most African leaders were overthrown by the army.

In January 1966, the Nigerian Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was overthrown and killed in a coup led by Major Chukwana Kaduna Nzegwa.

Application Activity

1. Examine the internal factors responsible for the growth of African Nationalism