Names are a significant aspect of who we are, and this is especially true for African nations, whose names frequently reflect their cultures and histories. European powers conquered many African nations and gave them names throughout that era.
Following their independence, some nations decided to alter their names to something more aptly reflecting who they were. Other nations, however, made the decision to retain the colonial designations.
Three African nations that have kept their colonial names are as follows:
Nigeria
The Niger River, which runs through Nigeria, is the source of its name. British journalist Flora Shaw first used it on January 8, 1897. The same river is the source of the name of the nearby Republic of Niger.
Nigeria became the Federation of Nigeria after gaining complete independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960, after gaining limited self-governance in 1954. Queen Elizabeth II continued to serve as Nigeria’s ceremonial head of state, but Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was appointed as the nation’s first prime minister.
Mali
The Mali In 1892, French colonial rule was extended to Mali. The region, known as Soudan Français (French Sudan), had a civilian administrator appointed by the French by 1893, although opposition to their administration remained.
The majority of the area was firmly under French rule by 1905. French Sudan supplied workers for France’s coastal possessions and was administered as a component of the Federation of French West Africa.
The region, which is now known as the Sudanese Republic, joined the French Community and attained full internal sovereignty in 1958.
The Federation of Mali was established in early 1959 by the Sudanese Republic and Senegal. France consented to give the Federation of Mali complete independence on March 31, 1960. Modibo Keïta was the first president of the Federation of Mali, which gained independence on June 20, 1960.
Sierra Leone
Pedro de Sintra, a Portuguese navigator who was the first European to survey Freetown harbour in the 15th century, is credited with giving the West African nation of Sierra Leone its name.
The hills encircling the harbour were known by their original Portuguese name, “Serra Lyoa,” which translates to “Lion Mountains.” Sierra Leone became independent of British colonial administration on April 27, 1961. The All People’s Congress (APC) emerged as the main opposition party after the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) won the 1962 general elections.
