1916, 26 August - World War I
Centre of German East African government at Mrogoro, German East Africa, falls to General Jan Smuts.
1936, 26 August
Egypt once again becomes an independent state after 50 years of occupation, first by the French and then by the British. The Anglo-Egyptian treaty is signed by Egyptian and British Prime Ministers (Nahas Pasha and Anthony Eden) ending the British Protectorate over Egypt. Britain will, however, retain control over the Suez Canal for another 20 years.
1960, 26 August
The State of Emergency declared on 30 March following the Sharpeville Massacre is lifted.
1979, 26 August
Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa, who has been Prime Minister of the Republic of Rhodesia since 1 June, announces that the country will be renames Zimbabwe.
1986, 26 August
One thousand five hundred people are reported dead around Lake Nios, Cameroon, when poisonous gas (a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide) spews from a volcanic fissure near the lake. In one village of 700 only two people survive. Israeli and French rescue teams are being sent to help.
