CalEvents:Apr/Apr 27
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 27
Date
Event
Significance
April 27, 1950
South Africa enacts Group Areas Act
On this day, the apartheid government of South Africa passed the Group Areas Act, which segregated residential and business areas in urban areas, reserving the best areas for white South Africans. The law entrenched racial segregation, which would become one of the hallmarks of apartheid.
April 27, 1961
Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom
On this day, Sierra Leone officially gained its independence from British colonial rule. Sir Milton Margai became the first Prime Minister of independent Sierra Leone, marking a key moment in African decolonization.
April 27, 1994
South Africa holds its first democratic elections
On this day, South Africa held its first democratic elections where citizens of all races were allowed to vote. The elections brought Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) to power, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era in South Africa.
April 27, 1994
Rwandan Genocide continues
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide continued, with mass killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by Hutu extremists. Despite international condemnation, the genocide persisted, claiming the lives of nearly 800,000 people over 100 days.
April 27, 2010
Nelson Mandela casts vote in South Africa’s fourth democratic elections
On this day, Nelson Mandela cast his vote in South Africa’s fourth democratic elections. While largely symbolic, Mandela’s participation reaffirmed the democratic principles he fought for during his life, ensuring the continuation of the legacy of freedom in post-apartheid South Africa.
April 27, 2018
Protests in Sudan escalate against Omar al-Bashir's government
On this day, protests in Sudan escalated as citizens demonstrated against the rule of President Omar al-Bashir. The protests were driven by widespread dissatisfaction with corruption, economic mismanagement, and decades of authoritarian rule, setting the stage for Bashir's eventual ousting in 2019.