The Central African Federation (1953-63)

The Central African Federation (CAF), also known as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was a colonial federation that existed from 1953 to 1963. It comprised three territories: Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Nyasaland (now Malawi).

Key Points:

• Formation: The federation was established on 1 August 1953. It aimed to create a unified economic and political entity in the region1.
• Governance: The federation had a federal structure with a Governor-General representing the British monarch. The capital was Salisbury (now Harare) in Southern Rhodesia.
• Economic Goals: The federation sought to exploit the region’s economic potential, particularly in mining and agriculture.
• Racial Policies: The federation’s policies were racially discriminatory, favoring the white minority population. This led to significant discontent among the African majority.
• Dissolution: Due to growing opposition from African nationalists and the changing political climate in Africa, the federation was dissolved on 31 December 1963. Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland became independent as Zambia and Malawi, respectively, in 19641.

The collapse of the Central African Federation was primarily due to political and racial tensions, as well as the broader movement towards decolonization in Africa.

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Dr. Bbosa Science