Modibo Keïta (born June 4, 1915) in Bamako, died in detention at the Kidal camp on May 16, 1977, his jailers having brought him poisoned food. He was President of the Republic of Mali between 1960 and 1968.

This charismatic leader, listened to on the international scene, acquired, thanks to his action and his ideas, esteem, prestige and respect:

He was outspoken, nationalism on edge, dignity and distinction in behavior, non-alignment as a principle and Pan-Africanism in his head.

In 1958, he was elected president of the Constituent Assembly of the Federation of Mali which includes French Sudan, Senegal, Upper Volta and Dahomey (these last two countries will quickly leave the federation).

On July 20, 1960, Modibo Keïta was appointed head of government of the Federation of Mali (which includes French Sudan and Senegal). After the break-up of this federation, on September 22, 1960, he proclaimed the independence of French Sudan, which became the Republic of Mali.

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