On June 17, 1960, Senegal and Mali declared the formation of the Mali Federation, a political union aimed at creating a stronger front against neocolonial influence in West Africa. Although short-lived—it dissolved just months later—the Federation symbolized Pan-African ambitions of leaders like Léopold Sédar Senghor (Senegal) and Modibo Keïta (Mali). The Federation sought economic integration, political unity, and shared resources, drawing on the legacy of ancient empires like Mali. Its failure underscored the challenges of unifying newly independent states with divergent political systems. Nevertheless, the event remains a significant attempt at regional cooperation rooted in Black sovereignty.
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