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July
11

Today in African History

Historical Events

  • 1904 - Brazzaville is named the capital of the Republic of Congo.
  • 1882 - The Anglo-Egyptian War begins.
  • 2010 - FIFA World Cup Final is held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1960 - Katanga Region breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • 1991 - Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crashes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia killing all 261 passengers and crew on board.
  • 1900 - Anglo-Boer War 2(The Battle of Silkaatsnek) begins in South Africa.
  • 2002 – Amad Diallo, an Ivorian footballer, is born.

Discover Africa's Rich Past

Congo's Troubled Years: The Katanga Secession and its Far-Reaching Impact

Congo's Troubled Years: The Katanga Secession and its Far-Reaching Impact

In 1960, Moïse Tshombe, a prominent Congolese businessman and politician, declared the secession of the mineral-rich Katanga region from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This announcement sparked a series of events that threw the newly independent country into chaos.
The crisis took a darker turn with the assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, a prominent figure in the struggle for Congolese independence. Lumumba's death sent shockwaves through the nation, heightening political tensions and creating further instability. 
Tragically, during this tumultuous time, United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld also lost his life in a plane crash while on a peacekeeping mission to negotiate a ceasefire, deepening the situation.
These events marked a critical chapter in Congolese history, leaving a lasting impact on the region and its path towards stability.

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