CalEvents:Apr/Apr 18
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 18
Date
Event
Significance
April 18, 1980
Zimbabwe gains independence from the United Kingdom
On this day, Zimbabwe officially gained its independence from British colonial rule, marking the end of the Rhodesian Bush War. Robert Mugabe became the first Prime Minister, and this day is celebrated annually as Independence Day in Zimbabwe, signifying the nation's transition from colonialism to majority rule.
April 18, 1996
Nelson Mandela signs South Africa’s new constitution
On this day, South African President Nelson Mandela signed the country’s new democratic constitution into law. The new constitution enshrined equal rights for all citizens, formally marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era for South Africa.
April 18, 1994
Rwandan Genocide continues, with international calls for intervention growing
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide, which began on April 7, 1994, continued to escalate as mass killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus persisted. The international community faced growing pressure to intervene, although efforts to stop the violence remained limited.
April 18, 2008
South Africa halts weapons shipment to Zimbabwe
On this day, South African dock workers and activists successfully stopped a Chinese shipment of weapons destined for Zimbabwe, in protest against President Robert Mugabe’s government. The shipment was believed to be intended for use in suppressing opposition ahead of the contentious 2008 elections in Zimbabwe, sparking international condemnation.
April 18, 2012
Protests in Uganda against high food and fuel prices
On this day, large protests erupted across Uganda against rising food and fuel prices. The protests were part of a broader wave of discontent across many African nations as citizens grappled with economic hardship and government mismanagement.
April 18, 2018
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed begins peace talks with Eritrea
On this day, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated peace talks with Eritrea, aiming to end a 20-year border conflict between the two countries. Abiy’s efforts led to a historic peace agreement, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
April 18, 2019
Protests continue in Sudan following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir
On this day, protests continued in Sudan as demonstrators demanded a civilian-led transitional government after the removal of long-time President Omar al-Bashir. The protests were part of a broader movement seeking democratic reforms in Sudan.