CalEvents:Oct/Oct 26
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for October 26
Date
Event
Significance
October 26, 1954
Algerian War of Independence begins
On this day, the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) launched attacks against French colonial forces, marking the start of the Algerian War of Independence. The war was a pivotal event in African anti-colonial struggles and lasted until Algeria gained independence in 1962.
October 26, 1966
Founding of the African and Malagasy Union (AMU)
On this day, the African and Malagasy Union (AMU) was founded, bringing together African countries in a bid to strengthen cooperation and unity in economic and political matters. Though it eventually merged with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the AMU was an important step in early Pan-African unity efforts.
October 26, 1972
Julius Nyerere launches Ujamaa Villages in Tanzania
On this day, Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere launched the Ujamaa Villages program as part of his African socialist vision. This program sought to build self-sufficient agricultural communities and was a cornerstone of Nyerere's vision for rural development in post-colonial Tanzania.
October 26, 1977
South African activist Steve Biko buried
On this day, anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko was buried after dying in police custody. His death became a symbol of the brutality of apartheid, galvanizing the global anti-apartheid movement and bringing attention to the South African government’s human rights abuses.
October 26, 2001
First woman elected to lead an African nation
On this day, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first woman elected as a head of state in Africa after winning the Liberian presidential election. Sirleaf’s election was a significant milestone for women's leadership in Africa, inspiring movements for gender equality across the continent.
October 26, 2017
Kenya holds controversial re-run presidential election
On this day, Kenya held a re-run of its presidential election after the Supreme Court nullified the results of the earlier vote due to irregularities. The election was marked by protests and low voter turnout, further deepening political divisions in the country.