1997⚡ Event
Hussein Farrah Aidid Relinquishes Title
On December 22, 1997, Hussein Farrah Aidid relinquished the disputed title of President of Somalia.
politics
What Happened on December 22?
Discover 15 historical moments on December 22 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
politicssportsentertainmentlawdisastermusicwarphilosophy
Hero image inspired by: Hussein Farrah Aidid
Historical Events on December 22(5)
2001⚡ Event
Afghan Interim Government Formed
On December 22, 2001, Burhanuddin Rabbani of the Northern Alliance handed over power in Afghanistan to the interim government headed by Hamid Karzai.
politics
2001⚡ Event
Shoe Bomb Attempt
On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid unsuccessfully attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoe on a transatlantic flight from Paris to Miami.
lawdisaster
2008⚡ Event
Kingston Fossil Plant Spill
On December 22, 2008, a dike ruptured at a coal-fired power plant in Kingston, Tennessee, releasing 1.1 billion gallons of coal fly ash slurry. This was the largest industrial spill in US history.
disaster
2010⚡ Event
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repealed
On December 22, 2010, the United States repealed its "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual people in the military.
politicslaw
Famous Birthdays on December 22(5)
Notable Deaths on December 22(5)
2018🕊️ Death
Paddy Ashdown
Paddy Ashdown, British politician, died on 12-22-2018. He was born in 1941.
politics
2018🕊️ Death
Simcha Rotem
Simcha Rotem, last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, died on 12-22-2018. He was born in 1924.
warpolitics
2019🕊️ Death
Ram Dass
Ram Dass, American spiritual teacher and author, died on 12-22-2019. He was born in 1931.
philosophyreligion
2023🕊️ Death
Leon Coates
Leon Coates, English composer, died on 12-22-2023. He was born in 1937.
musicentertainment
2025🕊️ Death
Chris Rea
Chris Rea, English singer-songwriter, died on 12-22-2025. He was born in 1951.
musicentertainment
December 22 in History
December 22 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1997 to the present day.
Major Events on December 22
Among the most notable events on December 22: Hussein Farrah Aidid Relinquishes Title (1997), Afghan Interim Government Formed (2001), Shoe Bomb Attempt (2001). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on December 22
Notable figures born on December 22 include Camila Osorio, Jack Draper, David Datro Fofana. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on December 22
Remembered figures who died on December 22 include Paddy Ashdown, Simcha Rotem, Ram Dass. View all →
Browse what happened on December 21 or December 23, explore the full month of December, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 22?
- December 22 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on December 22?
- One of the most notable events on December 22 is: Hussein Farrah Aidid Relinquishes Title.
- Who was born on December 22?
- Famous figures born on December 22 include Camila Osorio, Jack Draper, David Datro Fofana.
- How many historical events happened on December 22?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on December 22, spanning centuries of world history.
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