On this day — July 26 in African history

Library of Congress, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Liberia declared independence, becoming Africa's first modern republic.

Stevan Kragujevic, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, triggering the Suez Crisis.

An uprising by the Islamist group Boko Haram erupted in northern Nigeria, killing hundreds in the days that followed.

The Boer Republic of Stellaland was founded in Southern Africa, in what is now the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Unknown author — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

King Farouk of Egypt abdicated the throne in favor of his infant son Fuad II, days after the Free Officers' coup.

A Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed near Guelmim, Morocco, killing all 80 people aboard.