1974: UN Orders South Africa Turn Over Protectorate of Namibia
The U.N. Security Council voted to give South Africa until May 30th 1975 to begin transferring power in Namibia to the Namibians. Ten days before the deadline, South African Premier…
1974-Guinea-Bissau Granted Independence by Portugal
After a military revolt in Portugal that brought a left-leaning government to power, the Portuguese government agreed to grant independence to Portuguese Guinea. The new country was renamed Guinea-Bissau and…
1973: Severe Drought Hundreds Perish
A seven-year drought in sub-Saharan Africa brought starvation to 100,000 people in the countries of Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Burkina Faso. (HC)
1971: Idi Amin Seizes Power in Uganda
In January, while the Ugandan President Milton Obote was out of the country, Colonel Idi Amin staged a coup to oust the President. Amin soon began a reign of terror…
1970: Biafra Capitulates Ending Civil War
A civil war in Nigeria lasted for three years. Most countries in Africa supported the central government because of the fear of a similar breakup in their respective countries. “The…
1966: Nigerian Civil War Breaks Out
In January, a series of insurrections in the Nigerian army resulted in chaos in the country. “Troops murdered their officers, civilians killed each other.” The governor of the Nigerian Eastern…
1966: Lesotho Gains Independence
On October 4th the British colony of Basutoland became independent and was renamed Lesotho. It became a monarchy under King Moshoeshoe. Chief Leabua Jonathan became Prime Minister.
1966: Botswana Gains Independence
On September 30th Botswana, formerly called the Bechuanaland Protectorate, became independent. Its first President was Sir Seretes Khama.
1965: Rhodesia Declares Independence
Rhodesia announced its independence from Great Britain, in defiance of the British government. Rhodesia's government, which was led by Ian Smith, was all white in a country that was almost…