AOF (Afrique Occidentale Française)

AOF, or Afrique Occidentale Française, refers to a federation of French colonial territories in West Africa that existed from 1895 to 1960. It included countries such as Senegal, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. Established for administrative efficiency, AOF was governed by France and aimed to promote economic development, but it also imposed colonial rule and exploited resources. The federation dissolved as countries gained independence in the mid-20th century, leading to the establishment of sovereign nations and a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.