CalEvents:Aug/Aug 15
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Aug 15
Date
Event
Significance
August 15, 1960
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) gains independence from France
On this day, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) gained its independence from French colonial rule. This was part of the larger wave of African decolonization in the 1960s and marked a new era of self-governance for the Central African nation.
August 15, 1947
Kwame Nkrumah returns to Gold Coast (Ghana)
On this day, Kwame Nkrumah returned to the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana) after studying abroad in the United States and the United Kingdom. Nkrumah would later lead the country to independence in 1957 and become one of Africa's foremost leaders and Pan-African advocates.
August 15, 1972
Emperor Haile Selassie visits Jamaica
On this day, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia visited Jamaica, strengthening ties between Ethiopia and Jamaica, and reinforcing his status as a figure of reverence in the Rastafarian movement. His visit helped cement the Rastafarian cultural and spiritual connection to Ethiopia.
August 15, 1989
South Africa's F.W. de Klerk begins reforms
On this day, South African President F.W. de Klerk announced reforms that led to the dismantling of apartheid. His decision to release political prisoners and unban liberation movements, including the African National Congress (ANC), marked a turning point in South Africa's transition to democracy.
August 15, 1993
Rwanda signs Arusha Accords
On this day, the Rwandan government signed the Arusha Accords with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in Tanzania. The accords were meant to end the Rwandan Civil War, though they ultimately failed to prevent the 1994 genocide.
August 15, 2004
Jamaica wins gold in women's 4x100 relay at Athens Olympics
On this day, the Jamaican women's 4x100 meter relay team won the gold medal at the Athens Olympics, further solidifying Jamaica's reputation as a powerhouse in track and field. The victory was a moment of pride for the African diaspora, showcasing athletic excellence on a global stage.
August 15, 2019
Protests in Zimbabwe over economic conditions
On this day, protests erupted in Zimbabwe over deteriorating economic conditions, corruption, and political repression under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The protests highlighted ongoing challenges in the post-Mugabe era.