The founding fathers of Francophone Africa

Fifty years ago, eight African countries became independent from France.

Most French-speaking leaders at the time were keen on the idea of a 'French community' which would have kept them as an integral part of France.

Here we profile the men behind the drive for decolonisation:

Leopold Sedar Senghor of Senegal

The Senegalese independence leader was committed to the cause of negritude and black identity, but he kept his country close to its former colonists.

Felix Houphouet-Boigny of Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast's difficulties in organising elections, now nearly five years overdue, have left many nostalgic for the days of independence leader, Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Ahmed Sekou Touré of Guinea

Guinea's independence leader was determined that his country would be completely beyond France's sphere of influence.

First broadcast 10 August 2010