AEF (Afrique Équatoriale Française)

Afrique Équatoriale Française (AEF) was a federation of French colonial territories in Central Africa, established in 1910. It included modern-day Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Chad. AEF was created to streamline administration and promote economic development in the region. Its capital was Libreville, in Gabon. The federation aimed to oversee resources and manage the diverse populations but also faced challenges like exploitation and resistance to colonial rule. AEF was dissolved in 1958 when its territories moved towards independence, reflecting the broader trend of decolonization in Africa during the 20th century.