Independence: April 4th, 1960
Senegal became a Republic on November 15, 1958 and gained independence on August 20, 1960 under the leadership of President Léopold Sedar Senghor, in office from 1960 to 1980. President Senghor was the first African leader to open up the political sphere by introducing pluralism through openness to the multi-party system, nonetheless in a channelled and controlled manner. President Abdou Diouf took over the reins of Senegal from 1981 to 2000 and authorised the multi-party system.
A Few Key Events
In 1981
The short-lived Senegambia Confederation was created, lasting until 1989.
In 2000
President Abdou Diouf yielded the Presidency to Abdoulaye Wade, elected in March 2000 with the support of a broad coalition, following a process that set the country on the path toward democratic change.
In 2012
A new change takes place with the election of President Macky SALL on March 25th.