French Equatorial Africa

French Equatorial Africa (Afrique Équatoriale Française, AEF) was the federation of French colonial possessions in Middle Africa, extending northwards from the Congo River to the Sahara Desert.

Related Topics:
French - Middle Africa - Congo River - Sahara Desert

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Established in 1910, the federation contained four territories — Gabon, Middle Congo (now the Republic of the Congo), Oubangui-Chari (or Ubangi-Shari, now the Central African Republic) and Chad, although the last was not organised as a separate entity until 1920. The governor-general was based in Brazzaville with deputies in each territory.

Related Topics:
1910 - Gabon - Middle Congo - Republic of the Congo - Oubangui-Chari - Ubangi-Shari - Central African Republic - Chad - 1920 - Brazzaville

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During World War II the federation rallied to the Free French Forces (August 1940) and became the centre for their activities in Africa.

Related Topics:
World War II - Free French Forces - 1940

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Under France's Fourth Republic (1946-1958), the federation was represented in the French parliament. When the territories voted in the September 1958 referendum to become autonomous within the French Community, the federation was dissolved. In 1959 the new republics formed an interim association called the Union of Central African Republics, before becoming fully independent in August 1960.

Related Topics:
Fourth Republic - 1946 - 1958 - French Community - 1959 - Union of Central African Republics - 1960

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