# Autonomous Republic Proclaimed (4 December 1958)

URL: https://allhistories.com/ivory-coast/timeline/1958-autonomous-republic-proclaimed
Location: Abidjan
Themes: main-event

After the referendum the territorial assembly became a constituent body, and on 4 December 1958 Côte d'Ivoire was proclaimed an autonomous republic within the French Community. The assembly was charged with drafting a constitution and the governor's functions were gradually replaced by a high commissioner of France. Ivorian leaders took on greater control over internal affairs, while foreign policy and defence remained French. The proclamation turned the Government Council into a quasi-sovereign executive, with Houphouët soon positioned to lead it. The flag, anthem and symbols of the future state were adopted. The anthem L'Abidjanaise was composed in this period. The step prepared the move to full independence two years later. Ministers, a prime minister and a national assembly with powers over most domestic matters now ran the territory, while the French high commissioner kept defence and external affairs. At the date of this event the principal authority over the largest part of present-day Côte d'Ivoire, by the convention of this dataset, lay with Ernest de Nattes, Governor and High Commissioner of Côte d'Ivoire (1957–1960). It marked the formal birth of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, preceding full independence by 20 months. It marked the formal birth of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, preceding full independence by twenty months and giving the leaders time to prepare institutions, symbols and a civil service.

## Why it matters
The republic's creation fixed the institutions that would become the independent state.

Ruler at the Time: [Ernest de Nattes](https://allhistories.com/ivory-coast/rulers/ernest-de-nattes)

## Sources
- [History of Ivory Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ivory_Coast)
- [Félix Houphouët-Boigny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9lix_Houphou%C3%ABt-Boigny)
- [Ivory-Coast](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ivory-Coast)