“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” — Golda Meir
Today In History
1. Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic Was Destroyed
On this day in 1977, armed soldiers invaded the Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s house, popularly known as Kalakuta Republic and destroyed it. Fela was reportedly beaten and his aged mother, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti thrown through the window of a storey building, which ultimately killed her.
2. Dedan Kimathi, Kenya Rebel Leader Was Executed
On this day in 1957, Dedan Kimathi, a Kenyan Land and Freedom Army (KLFA) leader and fighter was hanged by the British colonials in British Kenya.
3. The Gambia Gained Independence
On this day in 1965, The Gambia, located in Western Africa gained it’s independence from the British.
4. Niger’s Military Coup
On this day in 2010, a military junta ousted Nigerien President Mamadou Tandja in Niamey, the country’s capital. A transition to democracy was initiated by the military and elections were held in April 2011.
5. Nishapur Train Disaster, Iran
On this day in 2004, nearly 300 people were killed and a whole village destroyed in a disastrous train disaster in the village of Khayyam near Nishapur in Iran.
According to report, 51 railway wagons carrying sulfur, fertilizer, petrol and cotton wool broke loose from their siding at Abu Muslim Station, and rolled down the track for about 20 kilometres until they derailed and rolled down an embankment into the town of Khayyam. It was regarded as the deadliest rail disaster in Iran.
6. Riot In Ukraine
On this day in 2014, no fewer than 76 people were killed in a clash between protesters and police in riots in Kyiv, Ukraine.
7. Iran Aseman Airlines Flight Crash
On this day in 2018, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 3704 en route from Iranian capital Tehran Mehrabad International Airport to Yasuj, Iran crashed into Mount Dena in the Zagros Mountains near Noqol village in Semirom county, Isfahan Province killing all 66 people on board.
