Africa at 50: Wind of Change - Episode 3

Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana gained independence in 1957 and Julius Nyerere's Tanganyika followed in 1961. Nkrumah wanted immediate unity of the continent; Nyerere wanted political independence first, as half of Africa was still under colonial rule. He called for a candle to be lit on Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, as a beacon for the liberation of the rest of Africa. Some of the 53 African countries gained independence through peaceful negotiations with the colonial power, and some had to fight for independence. Tanzania played a key part as a frontline state hosting and supporting many of the southern African liberation movements. In Part 3 of Africa at 50: The Wind of Change, retired Brigadier General Hashim Mbita reflects on his country's role in the liberation struggle. As a civil servant, army officer and journalist, he was central to many of the key events of the time. As Chief Executive of the OAU Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa, which was based in Dar es Salaam, he played a pivotal part in the funding and training of the armed struggles for independence where it was not granted through negotiation. Producer: Ruth Evans A Ruth Evans Production for BBC Radio 4.