Independence Day in Guinea Date in the current year: October 2, 2024

The first Europeans visited the territory of what is now Guinea in the 16th century. The French started their colonization of Guinea in the mid-19th century. They assured their domination by military victories over local rulers. When the French defeated the army of the Wassoulou Emperor Samori Ture in 1882, they gained complete control over Guinea.

France had to negotiate the boundaries of Guinea (then known as French Guinea) with Liberia, the United Kingdom for Sierra Leone, and Portugal for Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau). The colony was part of French West Africa.

In 1958, the French Fourth Republic collapsed and was succeeded by the Fifth Republic led by Charles de Gaulle. De Gaulle offered France's colonies a choice between independence and autonomy within French Community. Guinea chose independence and became an independent republic on October 2, 1958.

Guinea Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated throughout the country. Festive events and activities held on the occasion include public speeches, street parades, sports competitions, folk dance performances etc. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Conakry.