Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1889 Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy, a pact whose disputed translation later gave Italy grounds to claim a protectorate and set the stage for war.
PoliticsOn this day — May 2 in African history
Real events, births and milestones from Africa and the diaspora.
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1889 
Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel — CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress claimed victory following South Africa's first democratic, all-race elections.
Politics
Joost Evers / Anefo — CC BY-SA 3.0 nl, Wikimedia Commons 1938 Moshoeshoe II, who reigned as King of Lesotho, was born.
Birth
Byzantine Institute staff — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 373 Athanasius of Alexandria, the Egyptian bishop and theologian famed for his defence of Christian orthodoxy, died.
DeathThe Yelwa massacre in Nigeria's Plateau State concluded, ending days of sectarian violence between Christian and Muslim communities that killed hundreds.
History