French Somaliland overseas territory referendum, 1958

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An independence referendum was held in French Somaliland in September 1958, on the eve of neighboring Somalia's independence in 1960, to decide whether or not to join the Somali Republic or to remain with France.[1]

History

The referendum turned out in favour of a continued association with France; 75% voted in favour while 25% were opposed.[2] This was partly due to a combined yes vote by the sizable Afar ethnic group and resident Europeans.[1] There was also widespread vote rigging, with the French expelling thousands of Somalis before the referendum reached the polls.[3] The majority of those who voted no were Somalis who were strongly in favour of joining a united Somalia, as had been proposed by Mahmoud Harbi, Vice President of the Government Council. Harbi was killed in a plane crash two years later.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Barrington, Lowell, After Independence: Making and Protecting the Nation in Postcolonial and Postcommunist States, (University of Michigan Press: 2006), p.115
  2. ^ Djibouti - History Africa Travelling
  3. ^ Kevin Shillington, Encyclopedia of African history, (CRC Press: 2005), p.360.
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