1900, 16 May - Boer War: Mafeking
The siege is relieved by a 'flying' column which has sped its was straight from Kimberley (reinforced further by Canadian troops).
1907, 16 May
Nairobi is selected to be the capital of British East Africa.
1907, 16 May
Britain, France, and Spain sign the Pact of Cartagena -- an agreement to maintain the status quo in the Mediterranean and West Africa.
1941, 16 May - World War II: North Africa
Believing that yesterdays advance by British forces into Sollum and Fort Capuzzo was the start of an attack on Torbruk, General Rommel attacks and forces the British back to Halfaya Pass.
1958, 16 May
French government announces a state of national emergency, giving it special powers to deal with the Algerian revolt and associated unrest in mainland France.
1996, 16 May
A team of American palaeontologists announce the discovery of a 1.5 million year old skull of the shark-toothed reptile Carcharodontosaurus saharicus in the Sahara desert, Morocco.
