Sekou Toure

Toure led Guinea to vote 'No' in the French constitutional referendum, choosing immediate independence over membership in the French Community. This made Guinea the first French African colony to gain independence, inspiring other movements.

Toure was elected as Guinea's first president after independence. He established a one-party state under the Democratic Party of Guinea and pursued a socialist, pan-Africanist agenda.

Toure nationalized key industries, collectivized agriculture, and established state-controlled enterprises. These policies aimed at economic self-sufficiency but led to inefficiency, shortages, and economic decline.

Toure's regime cracked down on dissent, imprisoning and executing political opponents. The 'Plot of the Teachers' in 1961 led to mass arrests. His rule became increasingly repressive, with thousands fleeing into exile.

Toure died of a heart attack in Cleveland, Ohio, while undergoing surgery. His death ended 26 years of authoritarian rule. Shortly after, a military coup led by Lansana Cont