Independent Historian

David Zuber is a retired high school counselor and principal. He earned a Master’s Degree from the Centre of West African Studies at the University of Birmingham, England and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He has authored two books Behind the Mask: The British Cotton Growing Association 1902-1923 and An American Indian’s Encounter with the 1930s Judicial System. He resides near his birthplace in northern California.

Habib Bourguiba (1903-2000)

Habib Bourguiba, the first leader of independent Tunisia, was born on August 3, 1903, in Monastir, Tunisia, then a French protectorate. His parents were Ali Bourguiba and Fatouma Khefacha. His father sent him to Tunis when he was five to pursue his studies at the … Read MoreHabib Bourguiba (1903-2000)

Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (1908-2007)

Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (popularly known as Aden Adde) was the first president of Somalia. He was born on December 9, 1908, in Beledweyne, Somalia while the country was colonized by the Italian government. Daar was orphaned at an early age and raised by members … Read MoreAden Abdullah Osman Daar (1908-2007)

Moktar Ould Daddah (1924-2003)

Moktar Ould Daddah was the first president of independent Mauritania. He was born on December 25, 1924, at Boutilimit, Mauritania, French West Africa. His parents were Muhammadun Ould Daddah and Khadijattou Mahmoul Brahim. He was descended from a family of Muslim religious scholars and political … Read MoreMoktar Ould Daddah (1924-2003)

Sam Nujoma (1929- )

Samuel Shafiihuna (“a time of trouble”) Daniel Nujoma was born on May 12, 1929, in Ongandjera, Ovamboland, South West Africa (former German colony administered by South Africa). He was to become the first President of Namibia in1990. His parents, Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo and Daniel Uutoni … Read MoreSam Nujoma (1929- )

Mohammed V (1909-1961)

Mohammed ben Youssef, the third son of Sultan Moulay Youssef, was born on August 10, 1909, in Fez, Morocco. He became King Mohammed V of independent Morocco. When Mohammed was born, Morocco was a French protectorate. As a child, he received a traditional Koranic education … Read MoreMohammed V (1909-1961)

James Richard Marie Mancham (1939-2017)

James Mancham was the first President of the independent nation of Seychelles. He was born on August 11, 1939, the son of Richard and Evelyn (nee Tirant) Mancham, a wealthy family, on the island of Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago which was … Read MoreJames Richard Marie Mancham (1939-2017)

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1900-1985)

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was the first Prime Minister of independent Mauritius. He was born on September 18, 1900, at Belle Rive, Flacq District, Mauritius which was then a British colony. His father, Moheeth Ramgoolam, had immigrated to Mauritius from India at the age of 18. He … Read MoreSeewoosagur Ramgoolam (1900-1985)

Mohamed Naguib (1901-1984)

Mohamed Naguib was the first leader of the Egyptian Republic. He was born in Khartoum, Sudan on February 20, 1901, to Youssef Naguib, an Egyptian army officer, and his wife Zohra Ahmed Othman. His secondary school education was at Gordon Memorial College in Khartoum, graduating … Read MoreMohamed Naguib (1901-1984)

Seretse Khama (1921-1980)

The Republic of Botswana’s first president was Seretse Khama. He was born on July 1, 1921, at Serowe in the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. His grandfather was paramount chief (kgosi) Kigama III. In 1923 his son, Seretse’s father became Kgosi Sekgoma II. Upon Sekgoma’s death … Read MoreSeretse Khama (1921-1980)