Ch 18.3 New Nations in Africa

Negritude Movement

A movement for African independence that started before World War II.

French–speaking Africans and West Indians celebrated their heritage of traditional African culture and values.

Ghana [former British colony]1957

Revolutionary Leader: Kwame NkumahNkrumah’s Tactics:

Organized boycotts and strikes

Reforms:Expensive Health, education, & welfare programsDreamed of “United States of Africa”

Problems he faced:Overthrown by a coup in 1966Political & Economic Instability since then

Kwami Nkrumah

Current President of Ghana Professor John Atta Mills

Kenya [Former British Colony] 1963

Tactics used by the Mau-Mau:Frighten whites & forced them out of the northern highlands

Kenyatta’s Reforms:Tried to unite ethnic & language groupsDevelop businesses

Resulting Problems: Civil Unrest under next leader, Daniel arap Moi

MZEE JOMO KENYATTA 1ST PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF

KENYA

Current President of KenyaMwai Kibaki

The International Crimes Court is currently investigating the widespread civil unrest in Kenya and allegations of corruption and violations of human rights.Current warnings against travel to Kenya have been issued through the U.S. State Department.

Zaire, 1960 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Former colony of BelgiumGained independence by: Granted suddenly by BelgiumMobutu’s rule was: Brutal & Corrupt. Resulting problems:

Depleted resourcesExtreme PovertySocial Unrest; He was overthrown by Laurent Kabila in 1997. Kabila was assassinated in 2001. His son, Joseph Kabila, took power.

Mobutu Sese Seko

Laurent Kabila Joseph Kabila

Algeria [Former colony of France] 1962

Gained independence by: FLN (Algerian Nat’l Liberation Front) fought against France for their independence.

Ben Bella’s ProgramAttempted to form a socialist state but was overthrown by a coup in 1965

Problems:Unsuccessful attempts to industrializeHigh UnemploymentRise of Fundamentalist IslamistsContinuing civil unrest

Ahmed Ben Bella

Current President of AlgeriaAbdelaziz Bouteflika

“Elected” in 2004 after all other candidates dropped out.

Angola [Former colony of Portugal] 1975

Gained independence by: Fought against Portugal

Causes of their civil war: Communist rebel group MPLA declared itself the rightful ruler of independent Angola. They were supported by Cuba & USSR

UNITA rebel group fought against MPLA with support from the USA

Continuing problems:Civil war continued until 2002.

José Eduardo dos Santos

President of Angola since l979.

His son is Vice President.