Benin, Dahomey, Republic of Benin - a country on western coast of Africa; formerly under French control

French Guinea, Republic of Guinea, Guinea - a republic in eastern Africa on the Atlantic; formerly a French colony; achieved independence from France in 1958

French Sudan, Mali, Republic of Mali - a landlocked republic in northwestern Africa; achieved independence from France in 1960; Mali was a center of West African civilization for more than 4,000 years

Republic of Niger, Niger - a landlocked republic in West Africa; gained independence from France in 1960; most of the country is dominated by the Sahara Desert

Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria - a republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea; gained independence from Britain in 1960; most populous African country

river - a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek); "the river was navigable for 50 miles"