“Whatever we do or fail to do will influence the course of history.”— Arthur Henderson
Today In History
1. Lagos Armoury Explosion
On this day in 2002, Lagos armoury explosion, popularly referred to as Lagos bomb blast took place. The blast occurred due to the accidental detonation of a large stock of high explosives at a military storage facility in Ikeja, Lagos. The blast reportedly killed about
1,100 lives and displaced 20,000 people.
2. Military Coup in Niger
On this day in 1996, Baré Maïnassara overthrew the first democratically elected President of Niger, Mahamane Ousmane in a military coup. Maïnassara was later assassinated in April 1999, and was succeeded by Coup leader Daouda Malam Wanké.
3. Democratic Republic Of Congo Withdrew Some of It’s Currency In Circulation
On this day in 1993, Democratic Republic Of Congo withdrew some of it’s currency in circulation. The move angered soldiers, who found it difficult to spend their earnings which led to a mutiny. The country’s capital was plaqued with violence that killed hundreds of citizens.
4. Battle Of Amgala Took Place
On this day in 1976, the battle of Amgala between Algeria Army and Royal Moroccan Army took place in Amgala, Western Sahara. The Moroccans, had been fighting Spain for control of the Western Sahara, and had been officially assigned parts of the region together with Mauritania.
However, thousands of the Saharawi locals of the Moroccan controlled region fled to Algeria which led to accusations of the Algerians aiding Polisario by the Moroccans. Although, the Algerians claimed to be providing food and medical supplies to refugees at Amgala, this eventually led to the first battle of Amgala.
5. European Ban On Apartheid South Africa Was Lifted
On this day in 1992, after Prime Minister de Klerk agreed to democratic elections for South Africa and began abolishing apartheid policies, sanctions against South Africa were formally lifted by the European Union, many of the U.S. companies who disinvested in the 1980s also returned with new investments and joint ventures.
6. Tyre Nichols Protested In The United States
On this day in 2023, following the killing of a black man named Tyre Nichols by police officers, protesters began a protest to demand accountability and justice for his death, as well as reform in police operations.
The nationwide ptotest tagged “Black live matters”began in Memphis, Tennessee and spread to several cities accross the country.
7. President Donald Trump Effected His “Muslim Ban” Order
On this day in 2017, following his inauguration as President, Donald Trump issued a travel ban regarded as “Muslim Ban” blocking anyone from Libya, Somalia and Sudan from entering the United States. Residents from these countries already in the U.S. had their visas revoked. The move was widely criticized and regarded as racist and Islamophobic.
