The Suns of Independence is a 1968 novel written by Ahmadou Kourouma (Ivory Coast) in reaction to the upheavals experienced by African political regimes emerging from decolonization.
The story takes place in a utopian African country, the 'Republic of the Ebony Coast', in turmoil and racked by drastic changes. The title is a play on the Malinke word tile, which means 'sun' or 'day' but also 'era' or 'epoque'.

'Independence enveloped Africa like a swarm of locusts, leaving nothing in most pockets but national identity and state party cards. Others got fat.'
The Suns of Independence, Ahmadou Kourouma, 1968

In 1960, the 17 African states in question do not share the same path to independence.
Many factors contribute to making it a long process with a drawn-out denouement.

On the political and international scene, and against the backdrop of national movements,  the  personalities  of  African  leaders,  intellectuals and union organizers play an important role in the gradual emancipation of independent African states and in the emergence of African cultures.

And while some new states are tempted by socialism, pan-Africanism and the non-aligned movement are the era's predominant ideologies, driving the mass movement that is decolonization.

Nevertheless, many new independent states, such as those of French West Africa, maintain strong economic and strategic ties with their former colonizer.

So while 1960 is their official year of political independence, 'independence day' does not mean a complete break. Far from it.