Good afternoon and happy 5th of July,
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Valentine Strasser: The youngest African President
Valentine Esegragbo Melvine Strasser (born 26th April 1967) is an ex-military leader who served as head of state of Sierra Leone from 1992 to 1996. At the tender age of 25, Valentine Strasser found himself installed as the leader of four million people and the commander in chief of an impoverished army hence becoming the worlds youngest president.
He and his cronies overthrew the then president, Joseph Saidu Momoh, and seized power in a military coup in 1992. Strasser would rule for four years until his deposition via another coup, led by his deputy, Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio.
How this young man rose to power is very unusual if we are to go by the history of African dictatorship. The team at African Biographics have highlighted Valentine's unlikely rise to power and the drama surrounding his life after the ouster.
Did You Know? Sudan Has More Pyramids Than Egypt!
200km north of Sudan's capital Khartoum, lies the Pyramids of Meroë. The steep small pyramids that rise over the desert are a stunning reminder of the ancient Nubian kingdom, Kush, that at one point ruled over Egypt.
The Pyramids that range from 20 feet to 100 feet tall are smaller compared to the Egyptian pyramids. However, the number of pyramids in Sudan are way more than the ones in Egypt.
If you want to learn about the Kush, Zeinab Badawi of BBC did a very in-depth documentary about this ancient Kingdom.
Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare (Folklore)
Mai wuod Ombare, also known as Nyamgondho wuod Ombare, meaning Nyamgondho son of Ombare, is a legend among the Luo people of Kenya. He lived between the late 14th and 15th centuries on the shores of Lake Victoria in the present-day Nyandiwa Village, Gwassi Location, Suba District, Kenya. He migrated from Tanzania and belonged to the Waturi tribe.
The Banyankole/Ankole Tribe of Uganda
Among the Banyankole, death was not a natural phenomenon. When a man dies, every relative, along with friends and neighbours, are informed. Anyone who fails to attend the funeral without a good reason may be considered suspect.
PROVERB OF THE WEEK
Kicaa pa ladit pe dong nono(Acholi)
Translation: An elder’s handbag is never empty.
Meaning: The proverb tries to emphasize that with old age comes wisdom that prepares one for difficult times.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Ija (Kimeru)
Meaning: Come
Example: Ija aja
Translation: Come here.
By: Mildakinya
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Special thanks to Stephanie for editing this issue and Mildakinya for the word contribution.
Have a great week, and thanks for reading. - Mike
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