Portuguese traders have discovered the exquisite work of West African ivory-carvers in the area of what will become Sierra Leone, and commission the makers to create salt cellars for sale in Europe. The result is the first European/Sub-Saharan African hybrid artistic and cultural product: intricately carved salt cellars with designs incorporating both African and European forms.
The Madagascan monarch ends her reign, and so too ends the sovereign nation of Madagascar. For 14 years, Queen Ranavalona III (pic: seated, with her daughter, husband Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony and her aunt and court advisor Ramisindrazana) has done all she could to resist France’s unrelenting efforts to take over the island nation, which the Malagasy people fiercely oppose. France invaded and occupied the country last year (1896) but because the people still revere their queen as the country’s legitimate ruler, France exiles her today, and tomorrow will officially abolish the monarchy. Ranavalona will never again be permitted to see Madagascar, and will die in Algeria in 1917.
Egypt achieves national independence, from Britain. Sarwat Pasha became prime minister. The country name will officially be the Kingdom of Egypt until the 1952 revolution ends rule by the monarchy. Cairo is the capital. The national population is 21 million.
England’s Imperial Airways begins its first African service with weekly flights between London and Mwanza, Tanganyika, located on Lake Nyanza (Lake Victoria).
The most popular wedding location in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) for many years is consecrated at the Victoria Hotel overlooking the Zambezi River’s Mosi-oa-Tunya (known to tourists as Victoria Falls). The Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene is outfitted with custom fittings from England.
The Accra Riots erupt in Gold Coast (Ghana) after British authorities break up a march by unarmed veterans who fought in World War II for Britain and now seek delivery of their benefits. Three leaders are killed in cold blood, providing the spark that ignites long-held public frustration against British rule. The pressure will continue until Ghana becomes colonial Africa’s first independent nation in 1957.
Egypt President Anwar Sadat restores diplomatic ties with the U.S., severed since 1967 when the U.S. supported Israel in its war with Egypt.
The Lomé Convention is signed in Togo’s capital by European Union countries and ACP countries (Europe’s former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific). The former colonies receive assurances that they will be partners in trade, and Europe is guaranteed continued market access to ACP countries.
In the Uganda-Tanzania War, Tanzania has pushed back Idi Amin's invasion force and now seeks the dictator's removal from power. Tanzania has now effectively neutralised the Ugandan Air Force. 19 aircraft have been shot down by Tanzania in the last eight weeks.
South Africa’s apartheid state, now transitioning to a multi-racial democracy, has for decades been strongly anti-Communist. Today, Pretoria establishes full diplomatic ties with Russia, which is now transitioning from the Communist Soviet Union into what is hoped will be a democratic state.
Burkina Faso hosts its first Africa Cup of Nations, the 21st edition of Africa’s top football tournament. Egypt wins in the final against South Africa. Top Scorers, with seven goals each, are Egypt’s Hossam Hassan and South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, with McCarthy named Player of the Match.
A painting of Nigerian Ife princess Adetutu Ademiluyi by Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu, which went missing at his death and was recovered earlier this month, is sold at auction for over £1.2 million. This is more than three times the asking price and the highest price ever for the work of an African artist.
Malawi becomes the latest African country (Lesotho was the first) to legalise marijuana cultivation and transport, for medical and industrial purposes.
Kenyan author, in Kaimosi, British Kenya. As a boy, he decide to become a writer when he read Shakespeare while herding cattle. He was one of the first Kenyan authors to write modern-day stories in English. His 1967 debut novel The Calabash of Life became an international success because of its revelations about contemporary East African life.
Cameroonian novelist, poet and painter, in British Cameroon. Considered Cameroon’s greatest writer in the English language, he began his career as a broadcaster for Nigerian radio, and pursued a law degree in Paris before abandoning his studies to become a writer. He burst into the literary scene in the early 1960s with a huge output of material.
Algerian world champion middle-distance runner, in Tenés, Algeria. After winning a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 1996 Summer Olympics, he won three consecutive gold medals in the same event at the World Championships in Athletics. He set world records in the 1500m, the 3000 metres and the mile run.
