1950s–1960: (French Decolonization South of the Sahara — The Algerian War Casting a Shadow over Sub-Saharan Policy, De Gaulle’s 1958 Offer of a Choice Betwee…

1950s–1960: (French Decolonization South of the Sahara — The Algerian War Casting a Shadow over Sub-Saharan Policy, De Gaulle’s 1958 Offer of a Choice Between French Connection and Complete Independence, Only Guinea Under Sékou Touré Choosing Sovereignty, De Gaulle Punishing Guinea by Withdrawing All Assistance, Guinea Surviving with Soviet and Ghanaian Help, and 1960 as the Year of Africa When French Colonies Became Independent): The diversity among European colonial powers meant Africans faced a range of experiences in the years following the war. For the French, the Algerian war of 1954–1962 cast a long shadow over sub-Saharan dealings — the perceived threat of similar violence was a major influence on metropolitan decision-making. Paris envisaged that colonies would remain part of a Greater France, a concept initially supported by an assimilated Francophone elite, though disillusion stemmed from the realization that West Africans would not receive full citizenship. Spurred by Algerian violence, the French introduced further reforms leading to internal self-government in 1956 while retaining control over military, foreign affairs, and economic planning. As Algeria worsened, de Gaulle offered the colonies a straight choice in 1958: maintaining the link with France, which promised economic benefits, or complete independence involving severance of all aid. Most African leaders voted to maintain the connection — only Guinea under Sékou Touré elected for uncompromised sovereignty. De Gaulle sought to demonstrate colonial dependence by making an example of Guinea: all economic assistance was cancelled, French personnel withdrawn, equipment removed. Yet Guinea survived, thanks to Soviet and Ghanaian assistance. Soon nationalists across Francophone Africa followed Guinea’s example, and after ensuring continuing economic ties de Gaulle acquiesced — in 1960, the Year of Africa, the French colonies of western and equatorial Africa became independent.