CalEvents:Dec/Dec 8
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for December 8
Date
Event
Significance
December 8, 1961
Tanganyika becomes independent
Tanganyika, now part of Tanzania, gained its independence from Britain. Under the leadership of Julius Nyerere, this event marked the beginning of Tanzania's role in the Pan-African movement and its support for liberation movements across the continent.
December 8, 1987
United Nations approves measures to help end apartheid
The UN passed a series of measures that imposed stricter sanctions on the apartheid regime in South Africa, intensifying international efforts to isolate the government and support the anti-apartheid movement led by figures like Nelson Mandela.
December 8, 1998
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) delivers first verdict
The ICTR, established to prosecute those responsible for the Rwandan Genocide, delivered its first verdict on this day. This marked a key moment in African history, contributing to the fight against impunity and advancing international justice in post-genocide Rwanda.
December 8, 2004
Kenya signs a peace accord to end Sudanese civil war
Kenya played a central role in mediating peace between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, leading to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that eventually paved the way for South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
December 8, 2005
First elections in Tanzania under the multi-party system
Tanzania held its first multi-party elections since independence, signaling a transition towards greater political pluralism and democracy in the East African nation, which had been governed as a single-party state for decades.