Sudanese Union-African Democratic Party

political party, Mali

Also known as: Soudanaise–Rassemblement Démocratique Africain, US-RDA(Show More)

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July 14, 2026

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The Sudanese Union–African Democratic Party (US–RDA) was a dominant political party in Mali, led by Marxist leader Modibo Keita. After Mali became an autonomous state within the French Community in 1958, it joined with Senegal to form the Mali Federation in 1959. This federation dissolved in August 1960, and on September 22, the US–RDA proclaimed the independent Republic of Mali, with Keita as its first president.12

Keita's policies, including a state-run economy and close ties with communist countries, led to discontent. In 1968, a coup overthrew Keita, and a military committee ruled until 1979, when civilian rule returned under a military-sponsored party, the Malian People’s Democratic Union (UDPM). Moussa Traoré served as president, reelected in 1985, with the UDPM as the sole legal party. By 1991, pro-democracy movements led to another military takeover and Traoré's imprisonment, paving the way for a return to civilian rule and elections in 1992.1324

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Modibo Keita
…and became secretary-general of the Sudanese Union. In 1946 the Sudanese Union merged with another anticolonial party, the African Democratic Rally, to form the US-RDA. Keita was briefly imprisoned by the French in 1946. Two years later, however, he won a seat in the territorial assembly of French Sudan, and…
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…and became secretary-general of the Sudanese Union. In 1946 the Sudanese Union merged with another anticolonial party, the African Democratic Rally, to form the US-RDA. Keita was briefly imprisoned by the French in 1946. Two years later, however, he won a seat in the territorial assembly of French Sudan, and…
Read More

Mali
Independent Mali
The Sudanese Union–African Democratic Party (Union Soudanaise–Rassemblement Démocratique Africain; US–RDA) eventually became the dominant party, under its charismatic Marxist leader, Modibo Keita. In October 1958 the territory became known as the Sudanese Republic, and on November 24, 1958, it became an autonomous state within the French…
Read More
The Sudanese Union–African Democratic Party (Union Soudanaise–Rassemblement Démocratique Africain; US–RDA) eventually became the dominant party, under its charismatic Marxist leader, Modibo Keita. In October 1958 the territory became known as the Sudanese Republic, and on November 24, 1958, it became an autonomous state within the French…
Read More