“History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness.”— James Fenimore Cooper
Today In History
1. Muslims And Christians Clashed Over Introduction Of Sharia Law In Kaduna
On this day in 2000, Muslim and Christian youths seized parts of Kaduna, Nigeria in clashes over a proposal to bring Islamic law to the state. No fewer than 20 people lost their lives in the clash.
2. Egyptian Students And Workers Protested The Death Of Students In Previous Riot
On this day in 1946, following an uprising against British rule on February 9th which led to the killing of students, students and workers embarked on a general strike to protest the death of students. The British troops further killed more protesters.
3. United Arab Republic Appointed New President
On this day in 1958, the United Arab Republic, comprised of Egypt and Syria had an election to have a combined president. Egyptian President Gamel Nasser eventually won the election unanimously.
4. Libyan Arab Airlines Was Shot Down By Israeli Fighter Jets
On this day in 1973, a Libya Arab Airlines flight 114 en route from Tripoli to Cairo passing through Benghazi was shot down by Israeli fighter jets after it mistakenly entered an Israeli occupied area as a result of it’s system malfunction. The resultant crashed killed 108 of the 113 people on board.
5. Israeli Troops Departed Occupied Western Bank Of Suez Canal In Egypt
On this day in 1974, in a systemic withdrawal, the last batch of Israeli troops departed the western bank of Suez Canal that was seized from Egypt during the Middle East War.
6. Bodies Of African Immigrants Were Washed Ashore On Libya’s Mediterranean Coast
On this day in 2017, bodies of 87 African immigrants were washed ashore Libya’s Mediterranean coast. The immigrants were reportedly were trying to cross the Mediterranean to Italy. Migrant deaths have also reportedly risen to record levels along this smuggling route in years.
7. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Was Endorsed For Another 5-yr Term
On this day in 2019, Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement, NRM, endorsed President Yoweri Museveni as its candidate in the next presidential election due in 2021. The endorsement cancelled a law stating an age limit for running for presidency. Museveni had been in power since 1986 after a coup.
