For the first time in the African history, Africans governed themselves through their own governments. There are a total of 53 independent African countries (view map). Following independence, many one-party states were formed in the early years after independence. Schools were built and better housing for the citizens was provided while the nascent government worked on improving the social and economic conditions of their respective countries. Different leaders instituted different policies to spearhead socio-economic development in the post-independence Africa which was also regarded as a period of trial and error for some of the policies worked well and others failed.

Although Africa has enjoyed over 50 years of independence, it continues to face political problems with some countries having to grapple with repeated military coups, civilian unrest, tribal/ethnic wars.  Since 1950, Africa has suffered a number of civil wars, including:

• The ongoing civil war in Sudan (1963-1972; 1984 – present)
• The ongoing Civil War in Somalia (1988 – present)
• Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-1996; 1997- 2001)
• The Rwanda Genocide (1994) – as a result of ethnic disputes
  

Africa is working to gain its stability and reverse the volatile political situations with the help of international organizations, the United Nations and its agencies, as well as Africa’s own organizations and governments so as to ensure economic prosperity and social well-being of its peoples.