April 27, 1960-61: Togo and Sierra Leone Achieved National Sovereignty

On April 27, 1960, Togo declared its independence, ending decades of French tutelage, with Sylvanus Olympio as its first president. A year later, on April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone gained independence, becoming a dominion within the Commonwealth, led by Sir Milton Margai. Olympio emphasized economic and monetary sovereignty, but his authoritarian government and internal rivalries complicated the country's situation.