Mali Federation
In January 1959, Senegal and the [[French Sudan]] merged to form the [[Mali Federation]], which became fully independent on 20 June 1960. The transfer of power agreement with France was signed on 4 April 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation broke up on 20 August 1960. Senegal and Soudan (renamed the Republic of [[Mali]]) proclaimed independence. [[Léopold Senghor]], internationally known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected Senegal's first president in August 1960.