1900, 28 May - Boer War: The Orange Free State is annexed
In a proclamation timed to coincide with the Queen's birthday, General Lord Roberts renames the Orange Free State (Oranje Vrij Staat) as the Orange River Colony. Utrecht, in the Transvaal, also surrenders to the British.
1902, 28 May - Boer War: Peace
Boer negotiators are handed the final British proposals for the Boer surrender. The offer includes a general amnesty for all burghers except for rebels and those involved in (listed) war crimes. Rebel leaders are to be put on trial.
1941, 28 May - World War II: North Africa
Max Schmeling, German ex-world heavyweight boxing champion, is captured whilst trying to flee British troops in Egypt.
1942, 28 May - World War II: North Africa
Operation Venezia:Colonel General Erwin Rommel begins his third offensive to push the British back into Egypt.
1991, 28 May
Ethiopians People's Revolutionary Democratic Front capture Addis Ababa. Meles Zenawi will head the provisional government (for four years).
1993, 28 May
Newly independent Eritrea becomes a member of the United Nations.
1995, 28 May
An outbreak of the Ebola virus kills 153 people in Zaire.
