How did Guinea become part of French West Africa?

Guinea became part of the Federation of French West Africa in 1895. Prior to this, the region was known as the French protectorate of Rivières du Sud, which had been detached from Senegal as a separate colony in 1890.12

The formation of the federation was part of France's broader colonial expansion during the late 19th century. In June 1895, a decree established the administrative grouping to consolidate colonial expenses, coordinate policies toward Indigenous populations, and manage administrative disputes under a single governor-general stationed in Senegal. This federation served as a major administrative unit through which France governed its territories in western Africa until its dissolution in 1958.3