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Senegal
REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL
Senegal, the westernmost country in West Africa, is bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, with Dakar as its capital. It nearly surrounds The Gambia and shares a maritime border with Cape Verde. Spanning nearly 197,000 square kilometers and home to 18 million people, Senegal has a Sahelian climate and is recognized for its political stability since its 1960 independence from France. French is the official language, but Wolof is widely spoken. Predominantly Muslim, Senegal is a culturally diverse nation. Its economy heavily relies on agriculture, mining, tourism, and services, with a strong emphasis on education. Senegal is a member of various international organizations and is known for the Paris–Dakar Rally.
In the mid-15th century, the Portuguese landed on the Senegal coastline, soon followed by traders from other countries, including the French. Various European powers, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and Great Britain, competed for trade in the region from that time onward. In 1677, France gained control of Gorée Island, a minor but significant departure point in the Atlantic slave trade. The island, adjacent to modern Dakar, served as a base for purchasing slaves from mainland warring chiefdoms.
European missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and Casamance in the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1850s that the French began expanding onto the Senegalese mainland. Following the abolition of slavery, the French promoted abolitionist doctrine and annexed native kingdoms such as Waalo, Cayor, Baol, and Jolof. Under Governor Louis Faidherbe, the French progressively took over these kingdoms, except for the Serer Kingdoms of Sine and Saloum.
The Senegalese resistance to French expansion was notable. Leaders like Lat-Dior, Damel of Cayor, and Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof of Sine resisted French colonial forces. The Battle of Logandème was significant, as the Serer King of Sine confronted the French, who employed cannonballs for the first time on Senegambian soil.
During World War I, over 300 Senegalese soldiers fought under Australian command, highlighting Senegal's strategic importance. The Battle of Dakar in 1940 during World War II saw an unsuccessful Allied attempt to capture the port from the pro-German Vichy French administration.
Senegal's path to independence began on 25 November 1958, when it became an autonomous republic within the French Community. In January 1959, Senegal merged with French Sudan to form the Mali Federation, gaining full independence from France on 20 June 1960. However, internal political issues led to the dissolution of the Federation by August 1960, with Senegal proclaiming its independence.
Léopold Sédar Senghor became Senegal's first president in August 1960, advocating African socialism and fostering a relatively tolerant political environment. However, his tenure saw the consolidation of presidential power following an attempted coup by Prime Minister Mamadou Dia in 1962. Senghor's party, the Senegalese Progressive Union, was the only legally permitted party from 1965 until 1975, after which two opposition parties were allowed.
In the 1980s, Abdou Diouf succeeded Senghor, promoting broader political participation and economic reforms. Despite challenges, including border tensions and a separatist movement in Casamance, Senegal maintained its commitment to democracy and human rights. Diouf's presidency saw Senegalese participation in international conflicts and the establishment of the Senegambia Confederation with The Gambia, which was later dissolved.
The presidential election of 1999 marked a significant transition, with opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade defeating Diouf in a peaceful and fair election. Wade's presidency saw continued efforts to resolve the Casamance conflict, although a lasting peace agreement remained elusive.
In March 2012, Macky Sall won the presidential election, continuing Senegal's tradition of peaceful democratic transitions. Sall was re-elected in 2019, and his tenure has been marked by efforts to address various challenges, including economic development and political unrest. In March 2024, opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won Senegal’s presidential election, becoming the youngest president in the nation's history.
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