Djibo Bakavy, the French, and the Referendum of 1958 in Niger

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Periodical article

Title:	Djibo Bakavy, the French, and the Referendum of 1958 in Niger
Author:	Fugelstad, Finn
Year:	1973
Periodical:	The Journal of African History
Volume:	14
Issue:	2
Pages:	313-330
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Niger
Subjects:	political conditions 1958 politicians referendums Politics and Government colonialism nationalism
About person:	Djibo Bakary (1922-1998)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/180451
Abstract:	The events that took place in Niger before, during and after the referendum of 1958, do not fit into a number of established patterns: Niger - one of the most traditional and economically backward Territories d'Outre-Mer - was the only French African territory in which General de Gaulle's new constitution was neither rejected nor approved by between 95 and 99 per cent of the electorate; it was the only territory where the voters did not support the official stand of their government, thereby provoking a cabinet crisis; the head of that government, Djibo Bakary, was a rare example of an African political leader whose strength was based on an ethnic group other than his own. The circumstances leading to Djibo Bakary's fall are explained in the sections: Background to the crisis - From the election of 1957 to the referendum of 1958 - Taking positions - The referendum campaign and its aftermath. Notes, summary.