French Sudan French Community; however, divisions between Senghor and Keïta on the governance of the federation resulted in its dissolution on 20 August 1960. The area of French Sudan formally proclaimed itself the Republic of Mali and, with increasing radicalization of Keita, left the French Community in September 1960. Books and Journal articles Newspapers (organized chronologically) French Sudan French Sudan (; "") was a French colonial territory in the federation of French West Africa from around 1880 until 1960, when it became the independent state of Mali. The colony was formally called French Sudan from 1890 until 1899 and then again from
French Sudan The area was "Upper River" from 1880 until 18 August 1890, when it was renamed "French Sudan", with its capital at Kayes. On 10 October 1899, French Sudan was divided, with the southern cercles joining coastal colonies, and the rest split into two administrative areas called "Middle Niger" and "Upper Senegal". In 1902, the region again was organized as a unified colony under the name Senegambia and Niger ("Sénégambie et Niger"). The name changed again in 1904 to Upper Senegal and Niger ("Haut Sénégal et Niger"). Finally, in 1921, the name changed back to "French Sudan" ("Soudan Français"). Borders and