CalEvents:Jul/Jul 1
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for July 1
Date
Event
Significance
July 1, 1960
Somalia gains independence and unites with Somaliland
On this day, Somalia gained independence from Italy, and Somaliland (which had gained independence from Britain a few days earlier) united with it to form the Somali Republic. This was a key event in the decolonization of Africa.
July 1, 1962
Burundi gains independence from Belgium
On this day, Burundi gained independence from Belgium, ending decades of colonial rule. It was part of the larger wave of decolonization in Africa during the 1960s.
July 1, 1972
Kwame Nkrumah's body returned to Ghana
On this day, the body of Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and one of the leading Pan-Africanists, was returned to Ghana for burial. Nkrumah had died in exile in Romania, and his body’s return marked a symbolic reunion with the country he helped liberate from colonial rule.
July 1, 1997
Hong Kong returned to China
Although not directly related to Pan-African history, the return of Hong Kong to China on this day is significant as it was part of a global post-colonial shift away from European control, a movement that also influenced Africa’s independence efforts.
July 1, 2002
Launch of the African Union (AU)
On this day, the African Union (AU) was formally launched, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The AU was designed to promote greater unity, peace, and development across the African continent, marking a new era in Pan-African cooperation.
July 1, 2010
Rwanda joins the Commonwealth of Nations
On this day, Rwanda officially became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, despite its history as a former Belgian colony. Rwanda’s membership reflected the country's post-genocide recovery and growing international partnerships, particularly with English-speaking nations.
July 1, 2015
President Obama announces new funding for Power Africa initiative
On this day, U.S. President Barack Obama announced additional funding for the Power Africa initiative during his visit to Ethiopia. The initiative aimed to increase access to electricity across sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing economic development and improving quality of life for millions of Africans.