CalEvents:Aug/Aug 5
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Aug 5
Date
Event
Significance
August 5, 1962
Nelson Mandela arrested by South African authorities
On this day, Nelson Mandela was arrested near Howick, South Africa, and would later be sentenced to life imprisonment. His arrest marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle, leading to Mandela’s eventual recognition as a symbol of resistance to racial oppression.
August 5, 1960
Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) gains independence from France
On this day, Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, gained its independence from French colonial rule. This event was part of the larger wave of African decolonization that swept the continent in the 1960s.
August 5, 1979
Mauritania formally abolishes slavery
On this day, Mauritania formally abolished slavery, although the practice persisted in some parts of the country for years after. This was a major step in addressing human rights violations in the country.
August 5, 1989
Launch of the African Union Mission to Somalia
On this day, the African Union (AU) launched its mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to promote peace and stability in the region, which was affected by conflict and civil war. This mission was a significant step in African-led peacekeeping initiatives.
August 5, 1999
Death of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere's wife, Maria Nyerere
On this day, Maria Nyerere, wife of Tanzania's founding president Julius Nyerere, passed away. She was a significant figure in Tanzania’s independence movement and played a key role in promoting women's rights in the country.
August 5, 2003
Rwanda celebrates 10th anniversary of the end of the genocide
On this day, Rwanda commemorated the 10th anniversary of the end of the 1994 genocide. This anniversary was an important moment for the country’s efforts to heal from the trauma of genocide and rebuild its social and political institutions.
August 5, 2015
South Sudan peace talks result in ceasefire agreement
On this day, peace talks facilitated by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) resulted in a ceasefire agreement in South Sudan. The agreement marked an important step toward resolving the conflict that had caused widespread displacement and suffering.