CalEvents:Jan/Jan 14

Notable events for January 14

Date

Event

Significance

January 14, 1952

Jordan Ngubane publishes *The African Drum* magazine

On this day, Jordan Ngubane published the first issue of *The African Drum* magazine in South Africa, a publication that became a major platform for African literature, journalism, and intellectual thought during the apartheid era.

January 14, 1957

Birth of South African politician Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa, born on this day, would go on to become an important figure in South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, a key negotiator in the peaceful end to apartheid, and later the President of South Africa.

January 14, 1964

Zanzibar merges with Tanganyika to form Tanzania

Zanzibar and Tanganyika signed an agreement on this day to merge and form the United Republic of Tanzania, marking the consolidation of a newly independent East African nation.

January 14, 1970

Nigerian Civil War ends with the surrender of Biafra

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, officially ended on this day with the surrender of Biafran forces. The conflict had a devastating impact on the country, but its end marked a step toward national reconciliation.

January 14, 1980

Revolutionary leader Maurice Bishop begins major land reform in Grenada

Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop initiated land reform programs on this day, redistributing land to the poor. This was part of Bishop's socialist agenda aimed at reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities.

January 14, 2006

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf sworn in as Liberia's president

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was inaugurated as the first female head of state in Africa, marking a significant achievement in gender equality and leadership in post-conflict Liberia. Her presidency focused on rebuilding and reforming the nation.

January 14, 2011

President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali flees Tunisia during the Arab Spring

On this day, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country in the face of mass protests, marking the first major victory of the Arab Spring. This event had ripple effects across North Africa and the Middle East, leading to further uprisings.

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