'Ali, Bomaye!': The Rumble in the Jungle
On October 30, 1974, 32-year-old underdog Muhammad Ali knocked out the unbeaten George Foreman in Kinshasa to reclaim the world heavyweight title.
Tagged: africa
The Fist-Sized Diamond Found With a Penknife
On January 26, 1905, a mine manager in South Africa dug the largest gem-quality diamond ever found out of a mine wall with his penknife — the 3,106-carat Cullinan.
150 Against 4,000: The Night They Held Rorke's Drift
On January 22, 1879, about 150 British soldiers held a mission station in South Africa against some 4,000 Zulu warriors through a night of hand-to-hand fighting.
South Sudan Becomes the World's Newest Nation
On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan declared independence in Juba, ending decades of war and redrawing the map of Africa.
Iron Lady of Monrovia: Africa Elects Its First Woman President
On January 16, 2006, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was sworn in as president of Liberia, becoming the first woman ever elected to lead an African nation.
A Flag Rises at Champ de Mars: Mauritius Goes Free
On March 12, 1968, Mauritius became independent at Port Louis's Champ de Mars, with Seewoosagur Ramgoolam as its first prime minister.
Midnight in Kampala: Uganda's Independence Day
On October 9, 1962, the Union Jack came down over Kampala and a new flag rose — Uganda was an independent nation at last.
The Sultan Who Wouldn't Bow: Morocco Wins Independence
Exiled to Madagascar for defying France, Sultan Mohammed V returned a hero — and on March 2, 1956, France signed the declaration ending its rule over Morocco.
The Battle That Stopped an Empire: Ethiopia's Triumph at Adwa
On March 1, 1896, an African army crushed a European colonial power at Adwa — the battle that kept Ethiopia free and shattered the myth of European invincibility.
Sovereign at Last: Tunisia Wins Its Independence
On March 20, 1956, France formally recognized Tunisia's independence, ending a 75-year protectorate and crowning Habib Bourguiba's decades-long struggle.
Kenya's Midnight of Freedom
On December 12, 1963, Kenya became independent from Britain at a midnight ceremony in Nairobi, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first prime minister.
Two New Nations Become One
On April 26, 1964, the newly independent nations of Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged into a single country: Tanzania.
The Day Chad Raised Its Own Flag
On August 11, 1960, the African nation of Chad proclaimed its independence from French rule and stepped onto the world stage.