Central Africa
Burundi
French was first introduced into Burundi during World War I. In 1923, Belgium won a League of Nations mandate over Burundi and Rwanda. Burundi gained independence in 1962, but continued to have French as one of its official languages. Today, French is the second language in primary school and the only language of instruction used in secondary schools.
Cameroon
After World War I, the League of Nations gave the French a mandate over 80% of the area and the British 20%. After World War II, self-government was granted in 1946 and the Cameroon People's Union emerged to unify French and British Cameroon and for independence. Cameroon became autonomous in 1959 and independent in 1960. Its official languages are French and English.
Djibouti
This territory was acquired by France between 1843 and 1886 through treaties with Somali sultans. It was initally named French Somaliland. The colony voted in 1958 and 1967 to remain under French rule. Upon independence, the territory took the name of its capital city. Today, Djibouti lists French as a major language.
Rwanda
The first European explorers came in 1854. Rwanda became a part of German East Africa. During World War I, it was occupied by Belgian troops in 1916. A League of Nations mandate gave Belgium control over Burundi and Rwanda which was named Ruanda-Urundi. Burundi and Rwanda were treated as one colony until the Belgian Congo achieved independence in 1960. In 1962, Ruanda achieved independence as Rwanda and kept French as a major language.
French Equatorial Africa
Central African Republic
The colony of Ubangi and Shari were united with Chad in 1905 and joined by Gabon and the Middle Congo in 1910 to form French Equatorial Africa. In 1946, a rebellion forced the French to grant self-government and in 1958, they became an autonomous republic within the French Community. In 1960, they gained independence. Today, French is the official language of the Central African Republic.
Chad
Chad was joined with Ubangi and Shari in French Equatorial Africa in 1910. They became a separate colony in 1920 and in 1946, they were admitted to the French Union. In 1958, they became an autonomous republic in the French Union. They achieved independence in 1960 and maintain French as one of their official languages.
Congo
In 1880, a treaty with the ruler of the Bateke people established French control over the area. In 1910, it became a part of French Equatorial Africa. In 1960, they proclaimed their independence from France. Today, French is listed as an official language of Congo.
Gabon
The Portuguese were the first to visit in the 15th century. Then France began its settlements on the bank in 1839 and expanded inland through the later half of the 19th century. It was organized into French Equatorial Africa in 1888 and became an autonomous republic after World War II. Gabon received its independence in 1960 and maintains French as its official language.