CalEvents:Apr/Apr 17
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 17
Date
Event
Significance
April 17, 1959
Benin (then Dahomey) becomes an autonomous republic
On this day, Benin (then known as Dahomey) became an autonomous republic within the French Community as part of the decolonization process in Africa. This event was a significant step towards full independence, which Benin would achieve in August 1960.
April 17, 1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba
On this day, the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba began, which was intended to overthrow Fidel Castro’s government. Though not directly related to Pan-African history, Cuba’s eventual victory inspired many African liberation movements and strengthened Cuba’s ties with African nations fighting colonialism, such as Angola and Mozambique.
April 17, 1964
The Ford Foundation funds civil rights initiatives in the U.S.
On this day, the Ford Foundation announced a major grant to support civil rights initiatives in the United States, helping to fund legal cases and advocacy efforts aimed at ending segregation and promoting equal rights for African Americans. This financial backing played a significant role in sustaining the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement.
April 17, 1980
Zimbabwe admitted to the United Nations
On this day, Zimbabwe was admitted as a member state of the United Nations following its independence from British colonial rule. This marked an important moment in the international recognition of Zimbabwe as a sovereign nation and its integration into global diplomatic structures.
April 17, 1994
Rwandan Genocide continues amid calls for international intervention
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide continued, with Hutu extremists carrying out mass killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. As the genocide intensified, calls for international intervention grew louder, although the global response remained slow and insufficient to stop the atrocities.
April 17, 2015
South African anti-xenophobia protests
On this day, protests erupted in South Africa in response to a wave of xenophobic violence targeting African migrants. The protests called for unity and solidarity across the African diaspora, and the government pledged to address the underlying issues contributing to xenophobia in the country.
April 17, 2019
Sudanese protesters call for civilian rule after al-Bashir's ouster
On this day, following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in Sudan, protesters continued to demand the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government. The protests reflected Sudanese citizens' desire for a more democratic political system after decades of authoritarian rule.