Modibo Keïta was a significant figure in the history of Mali and a leading African statesman in the mid-20th century. Born on June 4, 1915, in Bamako, which was then part of French Sudan, Keïta emerged as an influential leader in the struggle for African independence from colonial rule.

Keïta's early education took place in the colonial school system, where he trained as a teacher. He became active in politics in the 1940s, joining the African Democratic Rally (RDA), a political party that advocated for greater autonomy and eventual independence from French colonial rule. Keïta quickly rose through the ranks of the party and became one of its most prominent leaders.

In 1956, he was elected to the French National Assembly, representing French Sudan. His influence continued to grow, and in 1958, as the wave of decolonization swept across Africa, Keïta played a crucial role in the formation of the Mali Federation, a short-lived political union between French Sudan and Senegal. He became the first President of the Mali Federation, but the union soon dissolved in 1960 due to political disagreements between the two states.

Following the dissolution of the Mali Federation, Keïta became the first President of the newly independent Republic of Mali on September 22, 1960. As President, he sought to establish a socialist state in Mali, implementing policies aimed at economic independence, including the nationalization of key industries and the promotion of state-controlled agriculture.

Keïta's government faced significant challenges, including economic difficulties and internal dissent. His socialist policies, while ambitious, led to economic strain, and his administration's repressive measures against political opposition generated unrest. In 1968, a group of military officers led by Lieutenant Moussa Traoré staged a coup, overthrowing Keïta's government. He was imprisoned for several years, until his death on May 16, 1977, in Bamako.

Keïta's legacy is complex; he is remembered as a visionary leader who sought to forge a path of independence and socialism for Mali but also as a leader whose policies contributed to economic difficulties and political instability. His role in Mali's independence and his efforts to create a self-sufficient, socialist state have left a lasting impact on the nation's history.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modibo_Keita