Guinea-Bissau's struggle for independence was part of a broader wave of decolonization sweeping across Africa in the mid-20th century. The fight for sovereignty began intensifying in the early 1960s when the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, led by Amílcar Cabral, emerged as a significant political force. The party employed guerrilla warfare against the Portuguese colonial forces, aiming to disrupt and dislodge colonial powers from their stronghold in the region.

On September 24, 1973, the leaders of the independence movement announced the country’s independence in Bissau, declaring the need for self-determination after years of conflict and sacrifice. Although Portugal did not immediately recognize this declaration, it represented a culmination of over a decade of revolutionary activity and widespread support from the local population. The proclamation was made amidst ongoing skirmishes between the Portuguese military and liberation forces, securing a shift in the political landscape of Guinea-Bissau and increasing international attention towards the conflict.

Despite Portugal's refusal to accept Guinea-Bissau's independence until the Carnation Revolution in 1974, the declaration on September 24 is celebrated as a national holiday in Guinea-Bissau. It symbolizes national unity and the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom, underscoring the region's struggle against imperialism and colonial dominance. The significance of this moment continues to resonate in the nation's ongoing quest for stability and development in a post-colonial era.