April 4th marks Independence Day for millions of Senegalese at home and abroad. This national holiday commemorates Senegal’s struggle for freedom.
According to history, Senegal became a Republic on November 15, 1958, and achieved its independence on August 20, 1960, under the leadership of President Léopold Sedar Senghor, in office from 1960 to 1980.
As the first African leader to open up the political sphere, President Senghor introduced pluralism through openness to the multi-party system, in a directed and measured manner.
But it was after President Abdou Diouf took over the reins of Senegal from 1981-2000, that the multi-party system was authorized.
Senegal declared itself an independent country on June 20th, 1960. So why is Independence Day celebrated on April 4th? April 4th, 1960 is when Senegal signed the transfer of power agreement with France, thus, this date was chosen as Senegalese Independence Day.
We caught up with Professor Gorgui Dieng, a public affairs analyst and he spoke on the country’s history, the independence celebration which coincides with the installation of a new government, and the topic of its sovereignty.
