The initiative, known as the Great Green Wall, aims to reclaim 247 million acres of land by the year 2030 and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, while warding off the spread of the Sahara and combating the climate crisis.
Countries: Mali
Mali declares independence
French Sudan joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali.
Senegal and the French Sudan merge to form the Mali Federation, gaining independence from France
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.
The Songhai Empire rises to power in the western Sahel
At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history. The state is known by its historiographical name, derived from its leading ethnic group and ruling elite, the Songhai.
The Mali Empire comes into power in West Africa
The empire began as a small Mandinka kingdom at the upper reaches of the Niger River, centred around the town of Niani (the empire’s namesake in Manding).
Timbuktu in modern-day Mali becomes a permanent settlement
Timbuktu started out as a seasonal settlement and became a permanent settlement early in the 12th century. After a shift in trading routes, Timbuktu flourished from the trade in salt, gold, ivory, and slaves.
The city of Djenné-Djenno thrives in modern-day Mali
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be among the oldest urbanized centers and the best-known archaeology site in sub-Saharan Africa.
Early humans of Ounjougou in modern-day Mali independently develop pottery
Ounjougou has yielded the earliest pottery found in Africa, and is believed to be one of the earliest regions (along with East Asia) in which the independent development of pottery occurred.