1940, 20 September - World War II: Africa
At a meeting between the German foreign minister, Ribbentrop, and the Italian leader Mussolini, Africa is divided into potential colonies.
1942, 20 September - World War II: North Africa
Operation 'Torch', the American invasion of North Africa, is set for 8 November.
1960, 20 September
The Federation of Mali, which was formed with Senegal out of the former Soudan Francais, splits and Mali becomes an independent republic. Modibo Keita remains president of Mali.
1979, 20 September
David Dacko becomes president of a newly re-instated Central African Republic. He replaces Emperor Bokassa I who had renamed the country the Central African Empire when he came to power on 4 December 1976.
