Libreville, 18 August 2022 (TDI): The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, arrived in Gabon and participated in the festivities organized to celebrate the country’s 62nd Independence anniversary.
These festivities took place on 17 August 2022 in Libreville, the capital of Gabon.
À Libreville pour prendre part aux festivités du 62e anniversaire de l’indépendance du Gabon, le Président @Macky_Sall a été très bien accueilli hier par des compatriotes fortement mobilisés à l’Aéroport international Léon Mba où étaient également présents des officiels gabonais. pic.twitter.com/ZLIQx08zpD
— Présidence Sénégal (@PR_Senegal) August 17, 2022
The Gabonese officials and highly mobilized compatriots received the President of Senegal and Chairman of the African Union, Macky Sall.
His welcome at the Léon-Mba International Airport was delightful.
History of Gabon’s Independence
Little is known about the history of Gabon before European contact. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Gabon in 1472 and named it Gabon. By the late 1500s, the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish competitors also became interested in the region.
Therefore they started trading alcohol, cloth, firearms, and iron goods for ivory, hardwood, and slaves in this region.
This slave trade caught the attention of the French colonists, which ultimately became the reason for their century-long rule.
In 1839, the local ruler in Gabon signed the sovereignty away and granted permission to France to rule the nation.
It officially became a French colony in 1885 and eventually one of the four colonies in French Equatorial Africa in 1910.
The French rule faced minor resistance from the citizens of Gabon. However, the forced labor and taxes for public health led to considerable interference from the public.
In 1958, after years of struggle, Gabon became an autonomous republic of France.
Finally, on August 17, 1960, Gabon was granted complete independence and sovereignty after a series of cooperation agreements.
Independence Day celebrations Â
The military parade was the highlight of these festivities that took place on 17 August 2022. Among the representatives who attended this event was Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
The distinguished guests joined the Gabonese Presidential couple, Ali and Sylvia Bongo Ondimba.
This event was significant for the country and its officials as it occurred after two years of a health crisis.
Student of International Relations at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore. A Cinephile and a history enthusiast who looks forward to learn new and interesting things everyday!
