“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”- George Santayana
Today In History
1. Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti Was Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder
On this day in 1993, the late musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was arrested on the suspicion of murder by the General Sani Abachi led administration. The late Fela was arrested alongside four members of his band for the alleged murder of an electrician.
2. Nile Bridge Opened In Jinja
On this day in 1931, the Nile brigde connecting Uganda to Kenya was opened in Jinja. This bridge allowed the free rail movement between both countries.
3. Belgian Colonizers Dismembered Patrice Lumumba’s Body In Democratic Republic Of Congo
On this day in 1961, the Belgian colonizers, in a bid to cover their involvement in the execution of Patrice Lumumba in Congo, ordered that is body be dug up, dismembered and dissolved in acid.
In 2020, the Belgians apologized for the atrocities they committed and a court ordered that a tooth, the only remaining part of the late Patrice be returned to his family.
4. The Gambia’s Former Dictator, Yahya Jammeh Fled To Guinea
On this day in 2017, The Gambia’s former dictator, Yahya Jammeh fled to Guinea after he was forced to acknowledge and cede power to the legitimately elected President, Adam Barrow.
5. Trans-Gambia Bridge Was Opened
On this day in 2019, the Trans-Gambia bridge, also known as Senegambia bridge linking the nothern and southern Gambia, as well as an access to the isolated Casamance province in Senegal was opened. The bridge had been proposed in 1956, but not until 2015 did the construction commence.
6. The Largest Single Day Demonstration Was Held in United States
On this day in 2017, the largest Single Day demonstration, known as women’s march was held in the United States. The march was held to gender equality and civil rights under the President Donald Trump’s administration.
7. Monterey Park Shooting In The United States
On this day in 2023, a mass shooting occurred at the Monterey park in California. The perpetrator, a 72-year-old Huu Can Tran opened fire at the park killing eleven people and injuring nine others. It is regarded as the deadliest mass shooting in the Los Angeles County. The shooter died in a standoff with the police a day after the shooting.
