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September
20

Today in African History

Historical Events

  • 2018 - Over 200 people die after a ferry sinks on Ukara Island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania.
  • 1979 - A coup d'état in the Central African Republic overthrows Emperor Bokassa I.
  • 2012 - 14 people are killed in a cafe suicide bombing in Somalia.
  • 2022 - Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge breaks his world record at the Berlin marathon in 2 hours, 1 minute 9 seconds.
  • 1942 - Rose Francine Rogombé, former President of Gabon, is born.
  • 1943 - Sani Abacha, former Nigerian general and military head of state, is born.
  • 2003 - Simon Muzenda, the first Vice-President of Zimbabwe, dies.
  • 1996 - Reuben Kamanga, the first Vice-President of Zambia, dies.

Your Daily Dose of African History

Bokassa's Fall

Bokassa's Fall

In 1979, a  coup d'éta in the Central African Republic successfully overthrew Emperor Bokassa. This resulted in the reinstatement of former president David Dacko, who had been exiled when Bokassa ousted his government. 
The nation was renamed  the Central African Republic from the Central African Empire. Bokassa's self-coronation as Emperor in 1976 started a tyrannical and extravagant era, similar to Napoleon's rise to power. However, his reign was characterized by excesses and brutality, which led to widespread discontent.
The coup was orchestrated by military officers and supported by a growing wave of disillusionment among citizens who had suffered under Bokassa's rule. 
The removal of Bokassa I ushered in a new chapter in the history of the Central African Republic, offering a glimpse of a different political landscape and rekindling hopes for a more democratic and inclusive future.

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