1940, 17 August - World War II: East Africa
The Italian invasion of British Somaliland which began on August 4 is complete. British troops were successfully evacuated via the port of Berbera by the Royal Navy. There is now little to stop the Italians controlling the southern entrance to the Red Sea.
1940, 17 August - World War II: East Africa
The 5th Indian Division, newly arrived in East Africa, is deployed along the Sudan-Abyssinia and Sudan-Eritrea borders as part of the Sudan Defence Force.
1940, 17 August - World War II: East Africa
A revolt is started in Abyssinia by those loyal to the Emperor, Haile Selassie.
1940, 17 August - World War II: North Africa
Italian bases in Bardia and Fort Capuzzo are bombarded by the Mediterranian Fleet of the British Royal Navy.
1960, 17 August
Gabon, the last of the four territories which had formed French Equatorial Africa, achieves independence with Gabriel Léon M'Ba as president.
1994, 17 August
Riots break out in Lesotho as Motlotlehi (King) Letsie III dissolves the democratically elected Basotho Congress Party (BCP) government and installs Hae Phoofolo as an interim prime minister. At least five people are reported dead.
