“The more I study history the more I realise how little mankind has changed. There are no new scripts, just different actors.” -Richard Paul Evans
Today In History
1. Nigeria’s Military President, Muritala Muhammad Was Assassinated In An Attempted Coup
On this day in 1976, Nigeria’s Military Head of State, General Muhammad Ramat Muritala was assassinated alongside his driver and aide in an attempted coup reportedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka.
The coup failed because the officers involved lack civilian and military backing. Following the attempted coup, the military denounced the coup and immediately suppressed the coup. Olusegun Obasanjo became the head of state afterwards.
2. France Tested It’s First Nuclear Weapon In Africa
On this day in 1960, France tested it’s first nuclear weapon on African soil in Algeria. The nuclear weapon called Gerboise Bleue (“Blue jerboa”) was detonated 40 km away from the military base at Hammoudia near Reggane. The action was condemned as an inhumane action against Africans.
3. Patrice Lumumba’s Death Was Officially Announced
On this day in 1961, following the death of Democratic Republic of Congo’s first Prime Minister and Independence Icon, Patrice Lumumba’s on January 17th, his death was officially announced on Katanga radio.
4. Tanzania Troops Seized Ugandan Airstrip In A Counter-attack
On this day in 1979, following the expulsion of the Uganda forces from Tanzania in October 1978, Tanzania troops seized Uganda’s Airstrip along it’s border. This also preceded the Battle Of Masaka.
5. Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Robert Ouko Was Murdered
On this day in 1990, Robert Ouko, Kenya’s Foreign Minister was murdered in Kenya.
Despite investigations into his death by the international community, his killers have never been found, neither has the motive been ascertained.
6. North Korean Dictator’s Brother, Kim Jong-nam Was Assassinated
On this day in 2017, North Korea’s Dictator, Kim Jong-un’s older half brother, Kim Jong-nam was assassinated at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.
According to reports, he was assassinated by two women with a VX nerve agent. It was also widely believed that he was murdered on the orders of his brother, Kim Jong Un.
7. North American Winter Storm Occurred
On this day in 2021, a crippling widespread winter and ice storm occurred in North America. The storm which affected the United States, Northern Mexico and parts of Canada led to the death of no fewer than 290 people.
