List of days of the year

16 May - Modibo Keïta death anniversary

 


Modibo Keïta was indeed a prominent figure in Malian history. He was born on 04 June 1915, in French Sudan (now Mali) and played a crucial role in the fight for Malian independence from French colonial rule.

Keïta was a founding member of the Sudanese Union-African Democratic Rally (US-RDA), a political party that advocated for the rights of Africans in French West Africa. He became the leader of the party and was known for his strong stance against colonialism and his efforts to promote African unity and self-determination.

After Mali gained independence from France on September 22, 1960, Modibo Keïta became the country's first President. He pursued socialist policies and implemented ambitious development programs aimed at modernizing Mali's economy and society. His government focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, as well as promoting agricultural self-sufficiency.

However, Keïta's presidency faced challenges, including economic difficulties, political opposition, and tensions with neighboring countries. In 1968, he was overthrown in a military coup led by Moussa Traoré, ushering in a period of military rule in Mali.

Modibo Keïta was arrested and imprisoned following the coup. He remained in prison until his death in 16 May 1977. Despite his political downfall, Keïta is remembered as a key figure in Mali's struggle for independence and as a symbol of African nationalism and anti-colonial resistance.

 

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