29 June 1976 -- Seychelles Gains Independence From Britain
Friday June 29, 2012
The islands of the Seychelles were claimed by France in 1756 although sailors had known about them since the early 16th century. The Seychelles were lost and regained several times ... Read More
New on African History -- Resources on the Algerian War of Independence
Thursday June 28, 2012
The 3rd of July will see the 50th anniversary of the end of the Algerian War of Independence (1954-62) and the creation of an independent Algerian republic (the Algerian Provisional ... Read More
28 June 1995 – Nelson Mandela Announces the Creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Thursday June 28, 2012
With the move to the post-Apartheid, multi-racial democracy, South Africans from both sides of the political divide had developed an Interim Constitution. The last clause of this Constitution laid down ... Read More
27 June 1977 -- Djibouti Gains Independence From France
Wednesday June 27, 2012
What was once the Islamic State of Adal was made the capital of French Somaliland in 1896. In 1958 the French gave Djibouti Overseas Territorial status and in 1967 it ... Read More
Freedom Charter Adopted in South Africa – 26 June 1955
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Three years after the start of the Defiance Campaign, anti-Apartheid activists held a Congress of the People in a Johannesburg suburb, Kliptown. Delegates ratified the Freedom Charter. The document set ... Read More
This Day in African History - Gamal Abdel Nasser Elected President of Egypt
Saturday June 23, 2012
Gamal Abdel Nasser had already been acting head of state for Egypt since 14 November 1954 as Chairman of the Revolutionary Council (as well as taking over from Muhammad Naguib ... Read More
21 June 1942 – World War II: Tobruk falls
Thursday June 21, 2012
Considered by Winston Churchill as "one of the heaviest blows I can recall during the war", Rommel's Panzerarmee Afrika captured Tobruk on 21 June 1942. Allied forces were overrun and ... Read More
The Republic of Egypt is Declared – 18 June 1953
Monday June 18, 2012
During the pre-revolution period before 1952 there were three main political groups in Egypt: Wafd, a nationalist organization which opposed British influence; King Faruk I, installed by the British, and ... Read More
Soweto Uprising 1976 Image Gallery
Saturday June 16, 2012
Have a look at this gallery of photographs that shows both the Soweto Uprising and the resultant aftermath, when rioting spread to other South African cities.
This Day in African History -- Soweto Student Uprising
Saturday June 16, 2012
When high-school students in Soweto started protesting for better education on 16 June 1976, police responded with teargas and live bullets. It is commemorated today by a South African national ... Read More
A Few Words About the June 16th Soweto Student Uprising ...
Wednesday June 13, 2012
"The children have shown us all the inevitable consequences if this government continues to display the insane arrogance and power satiated pride which is rapidly bringing us to disaster."
Sheena Duncan, ... Read More
This Day in African History -- Nelson Mandela Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
Tuesday June 12, 2012
On 11 July 1963 a raid was undertaken on Lilieslief farm in Rivonia, near Johannesburg, which was being used by the MK as headquarters. The remaining leadership of the MK ... Read More
10 June 1940 – World War II reaches Africa
Sunday June 10, 2012
With Italy's declaration of war against Britain and France, forces on both sides in North Africa are put on alert. The following day, Britain makes the first strike, bombing Italian ... Read More
9 June 1865 – Seqiti War begins
Saturday June 9, 2012
The Seqiti War (or Second Basotho War) broke out between the people of Moshoeshoe, founder of the Sotho (Basuto) nation, and the Orange Free State (which had gained its independence ... Read More
6 June 1967 – Biafran War Begins
Wednesday June 6, 2012
Following the secession of Biafra on 30 May (announced by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu), the Nigerian government initiated a 'police action' with two columns of Federal troops heading into Biafra. The ... Read More
African Music
Tuesday June 5, 2012
I recently received an email from Diana P. asking if I had anything on African music. It was quite timely since I have just been pointed in the direction of ... Read More
This Day in African History – BJ Vorster Resigns in South Africa
Monday June 4, 2012
Balthazar Johannes Vorster, non-executive president of South Africa, resigned on 4 June 1979 after only eight months in office (he had previously been prime minister for 12 years). Ill health ... Read More
2 June 1879 – Body of Louis Napoleon, Prince Imperial of France, is Found
Saturday June 2, 2012
On 1 June 1879 in a deep donga (gully) near the Tshotshosi river, a patrol of British troops, part of the vanguard of the II Division invading column, was ... Read More