1920, 18 February
Vuillemin and Chalus are the first to successfully fly across the Sahara Desert.
1943, 18 February - World War II: North Africa
Von Arnim's troops capture Sbeitla and Fondouk, Tunisia.
1957, 18 February
President Habib ibn Ali Bourguiba of Tunisia demands the evacuation of French troops stationed in the country.
1965, 18 February
The Gambia achieves independence from the British Commonwealth.
1983, 18 February
Two Libyan MIG-23s are chased away from the US carrier Nimitz.
1985, 18 February
At least eight people are killed by South African police during clashes with rioters in the shanty town of Crossroads, Cape Town.
