By Frank Kamuntu
The oldest African countries represent a tapestry of ancient civilizations that have left an indelible mark on the continent’s history.
Today, Africa boast 54 countries with borders that are much different than its original regions. However, despite colonial influence and amalgamations, many African countries have managed to retain their identities and today seamlessly integrate age-old cultures and contemporary development.
Africa as presently constructed is the youngest continent with the majority of the countries within the continent getting its independence in the last 100 years. However, there are debates that some African countries got their independence as far back as 1800 to 1900, whether it was partial, short-lived, or conditional.
Below are the oldest African countries based on today’s borders to get some form of independence.
Ethiopia
This East African country stands in a league of its own, as it is considered one of the few countries in the world to never be colonized. Liberia also holds this title although it is not as widely accepted as Ethiopia. However, there was a period between 1935 and 1941 when Italy deposed Emperor Haile Selassie and took over Ethiopia, before being driven out by British, Commonwealth, and Ethiopian forces.
As a result, some consider 1941 as Ethiopia’s independence day. Despite this, it is generally accepted that this East African country was never colonized.
The Liberian Declaration of Independence was ratified and sealed on July 26, 1847. It contained accusations made by Liberians against their mother nation, the United States, of injustices that forced them to flee and start over in Africa. As per the US Library of Congress.
South Africa
Four colonies were combined to become the Union of South Africa, a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire, on May 31, 1910. However, the United Kingdom continued to have jurisdiction over its relationships with the outside world, even though the new country was sovereign in its internal affairs. The Union of South Africa’s government announced on May 31, 1961, that the nation would henceforth be a republic.
Egypt
An Egyptian historical research paper conducted by Cambridge University, corroborated by other sources shows that Egypt got its independence in 1922. The paper reveals that Britain unilaterally declared the independence of Egypt in 1922. Feb. 28, 1922, to be more precise.
Libya
On December 24, 1951, the then United States President, Harry Truman sent King Idris of Libya a congratulations note recognizing the United Kingdom of Libya. On that very day Libya, a former Italian colony ruled jointly by France and Great Britain after World War II, proclaimed its independence. As per the Office of the Historian USA.
