Today in history: On August 7, 1960 – Ivory Coast becomes independent from France.

 

On August 7, 1960, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) officially gained independence from France, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history. This came as part of a larger wave of decolonization across Africa in the late 1950s and 1960s, where many nations under European rule were granted self-governance. Ivory Coast had been a French colony since the late 19th century, heavily influenced by French political, economic, and cultural systems. The country's path to independence was relatively peaceful compared to others, largely due to the diplomatic approach of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a prominent political leader who advocated for a gradual transition rather than violent struggle. His efforts led to the country’s independence being achieved through negotiation, not war.

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After independence, Houphouët-Boigny became Ivory Coast’s first president, a position he held until his death in 1993, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. Under his leadership, the country maintained strong ties with France, adopting a pro-Western stance and pursuing economic policies that attracted foreign investment. In the early decades of independence, Ivory Coast experienced relative political stability and economic growth, especially through its thriving cocoa and coffee industries. However, this growth was not evenly distributed, and over time, issues such as ethnic tension, economic inequality, and political unrest began to surface. Nonetheless, the independence of 1960 laid the foundation for Ivory Coast’s modern identity and its role as a key player in West African politics and economics.

See also: Today in history : On August 6, 1991