On November 24 1969, Mali became the fourth nation from the French/ Western region of Africa to dedicate a separate issue for the Gandhi centenary.  The detailed line-engraved Airmail issue from Mali joins the ranks with the individual Gandhi issues from Congo, Senegal and Morocco.  On May 29 1978, Mali became the first country, besides India, to have a second Gandhi issue.    The 50th anniversary of Indian independence was commemorated with a third Gandhi issue in 1999.