The Last Colonies — Africa’s Independence That Came Late
The Last Colonies — Africa’s Independence That Came Late
When people talk about African independence, they often picture the sweeping wave of decolonization in the 1960s — Ghana in 1957, Nigeria in 1960, Kenya in 1963. But not every African nation broke free then. Some had to wait decades longer, struggling against foreign control, Cold War politics, and internal wars before finally raising their own flag.
These are the last African colonies — nations whose independence came late, long after the first wave of liberation. Their stories reveal why freedom is rarely won in one dramatic moment and how global politics, resources, and geography delayed self-rule.
Djibouti — France’s Last Footprint in the Horn of Africa (1977)
Once known as French Somaliland, Djibouti remained under French control long after its neighbors gained independence. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea made it too valuable to let go. Only in 1977, after years of protests and an independence referendum, did Djibouti finally become a sovereign nation.
Zimbabwe — From Rhodesia to Majority Rule (1980)
White minority rule under Ian Smith declared independence from Britain in 1965, but the state remained unrecognized. A long guerrilla war led by nationalist movements forced negotiations, resulting in internationally recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980 with Robert Mugabe as prime minister.
Namibia — A Long Fight Against South African Apartheid (1990)
Namibia, formerly South West Africa, was administered by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate. Resistance led by SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) and decades of UN pressure finally ended South Africa’s hold. Namibia became independent in March 1990 with Sam Nujoma as its first president.
Eritrea — The 30-Year War for Freedom (1993)
Colonized by Italy, then under British control, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia in 1952 and later annexed. The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front fought a 30-year war against Ethiopian rule. After a 1993 referendum, Eritrea officially gained independence, becoming one of Africa’s newest states.
South Sudan — Africa’s Newest Nation (2011)
Decades of civil war marked Sudan’s history after independence from Britain and Egypt. Southern Sudanese sought autonomy due to religious, ethnic, and cultural differences from the north. In 2011, nearly 99% voted for secession, and South Sudan became the world’s newest country.
Ethiopia — The Empire That Resisted Colonization
Unique among African nations, Ethiopia maintained its sovereignty throughout the colonial era, with the exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941. Emperor Menelik II defeated Italy at the historic Battle of Adwa in 1896, preserving Ethiopia’s independence when most of Africa was being divided by European powers. This victory made Ethiopia a global symbol of African resilience and inspired anti-colonial movements across the continent.