Story perspectives
Today in History: Mali Federation gains independence, splits into Mali, Senegal
6/20/2026
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Story summary
- On 20 June 1960 the Mali Federation—uniting Senegal and the Sudanese Republic—gained independence from France. Two months later, a military standoff on 19 August forced Senegal to withdraw, prompting the Sudanese Republic to rename itself the Republic of Mali. Modibo Keïta served as premier, with Dakar as the capital.
