How did World War II help encourage a national identity among Central Africans?

During World War II, French General Charles de Gaulle called upon residents of colonial territories to support the war effort against Germany, prompting 3,000 individuals from Central Africa to enlist.12

Following the war, these soldiers returned to their homeland with a transformed perspective, possessing a new sense of pride and a national, rather than ethnic, identity. This shift in consciousness was a significant development in the region's history, as it helped move the population toward a broader, unified sense of belonging that transcended traditional tribal or ethnic divisions. This newfound national identity subsequently influenced the political landscape, contributing to the rise of nationalist leaders such as Barthélemy Boganda, who would eventually lead the territory toward independence.123