On 11 December 1958, it was reconstituted as the self-governing Republic of Upper Volta within the French Community, and two years later on 5 August 1960, it attained full independence.

Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Upper Volta was dominated by the empire-building Mossi/Mossi Kingdoms, who are believed to have come up to their present location from present-day northern Ghana.

[dubious – discuss][4] A revision in the organisation of French overseas territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of 23 July 1956.

This act was followed by reorganisational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of self-government for individual territories.

The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for five year terms; however, soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV.