CalEvents:Mar/Mar 20
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 20
Date
Event
Significance
March 20, 1957
Tunisia gains independence from France
On this day, Tunisia became independent from French colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in the decolonization of North Africa and established Tunisia as a sovereign nation under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba.
March 20, 1960
South African police kill protesters in Langa Township
On this day, South African police opened fire on protesters in Langa Township, Cape Town, killing several people. This massacre occurred in the context of rising tensions leading up to the Sharpeville Massacre and reflected the apartheid government’s violent response to anti-apartheid activism.
March 20, 1980
Zimbabwe's first post-independence election concludes
On this day, Zimbabwe’s first post-independence elections concluded. Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party emerged victorious, marking the end of white-minority rule and the beginning of majority-Black governance in Zimbabwe.
March 20, 1990
Namibia becomes independent from South Africa
On this day, Namibia officially gained its independence from South Africa. Namibia’s independence marked the end of colonial rule in southern Africa and symbolized a major victory for the region’s liberation movements.
March 20, 2004
Protests in Haiti against political corruption and instability
On this day, protests erupted in Haiti against widespread corruption and political instability following the ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. These protests reflected deep social and political challenges in the country.
March 20, 2015
Protests in South Africa over economic inequality and xenophobia
On this day, protests against economic inequality and xenophobic violence erupted in South Africa. The protests were part of ongoing tensions over migration and economic disparities in the country, particularly affecting African immigrants.