Colonial Background of Guinea
Guinea, a former French colony, is controversial because it is situated on the western coast of Africa. During colonial times, it was known as French Guinea and was a part of the broader French West Africa.
Key Figures in the Independence Movement
Ahmed Sekou Toure and Mamadi Keita, two critical protagonists in the fight against French colonial control, were the African leaders most heavily involved in the independence movement in Guinea (Reid, 2019, p. 291). Toure and Keita were crucial in organizing the populace, utilizing the power of labor unions and workers’ organizations, and negotiating the complex global geopolitics of the Cold War period (Fage et al., 1975, p. 48). Their leadership had a crucial role in accelerating Guinea’s transition to independence.
The Rise of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG)
The Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG), which first appeared following World War II, quickly became the dominant political force in French Guinea. The PDG, under the direction of Ahmed Sekou Toure, opposed the fragmented reforms suggested by the colonial authorities and demanded rapid and complete independence from France (Reid, 2019, p. 292). To leverage economic and technical support while reaffirming their sovereignty, the PDG supported keeping diplomatic ties with France post-independence but on an equal footing.
The 1958 Referendum and the Bold Vote for Independence
Several significant occasions were part of the independence movement in Guinea. All French colonies conducted a referendum in 1958, presided over by Charles de Gaulle, offering the option of choosing between immediate independence or remaining part of France as part of the French Community (Reid, 2019, p. 292). The world was shocked when Guinea became the first French African colony to vote for quick independence (Al Jazeera English, 2010). The historic vote was held on September 28, 1958, and Guinea proclaimed independence on October 2 (Reid, 2019, p. 292). This significant choice signaled a turning point in Guinean history.
Celebrating Independence
Celebrating Guinea’s independence was a significant occasion characterized by fervor and joy. Conakry, the nation’s capital, was thronged with happy spectators. No delegates from the departing colonial power, France, came because of their surprise at Guinea’s decision for rapid independence. The new Guinean flag, which represents the country’s mineral wealth (gold), the blood of the martyrs (red), and its greenery (green), was raised in place of the French banner. Leaders from nearby African nations came to show unity and support for their newly independent kin as Ahmed Sekou Toure, dressed in traditional African garb, addressed the crowd.
References
Al Jazeera English. (2010). Africa: States of independence – the scramble for Africa [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Fage, J. D., Crowder, M., & Oliver, R. A. (1975). The Cambridge history of Africa. Cambridge University Press.
Reid, R. J. (2019). A history of modern Africa: 1800 to the present. Wiley-Blackwell.