Historical Events tagged with "africa"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Ambush of Nigerien-American Forces in Tongo Tongo

October 4th, 2017 7 years ago

Joint Nigerien and American special forces were ambushed by Islamic State militants in Tongo Tongo, Niger, resulting in multiple fatalities. The operation aimed to gather intelligence on ISIS activities in the region. The encounter showcased the growing threat of ISIS in West Africa and highlighted the complexity of counterterrorism efforts in fragile states. A total of four US servicemen and five Nigerien soldiers lost their lives in the attack.

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Crime & Law

Gunmen Attack Hotels in Grand-Bassam

March 13th, 2016 9 years ago

Three gunmen launched an attack on two hotels in Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people. The assault began in the afternoon, with multiple witnesses reporting gunfire and chaos. Security forces responded swiftly, leading to a standoff with the attackers. The motive for the attack appeared linked to extremist ideologies, typical of similar incidents in West Africa, shedding light on ongoing security challenges faced by the region.

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Military & Warfare

143 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Cameroon Raids

January 12th, 2015 10 years ago

Cameroonian forces engaged in military operations in Kolofata, targeting Boko Haram militants known for their violent insurgency. The assault resulted in the death of 143 insurgents and marked a significant counter-terrorism success for the Cameroonian government. This operation aimed to quell the rising threat of Boko Haram, which had conducted numerous attacks in the region, affecting both Cameroon and its neighboring countries. The raids demonstrated a concerted effort by the Cameroonian military to dismantle the influence of Boko Haram in the Far North region.

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Politics & Government

Tom Thabane Flees to South Africa Amid Crisis

August 30th, 2014 10 years ago

Tom Thabane, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, fled to South Africa as tensions escalated following an alleged coup attempt by the military. The military had reportedly taken control of key government buildings in the capital, Maseru, prompting Thabane's departure. His flight came as he sought to avoid potential confrontation and stabilize the political situation, marking a significant point of contention in Lesotho's political landscape.

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Crime & Law

Poachers Target Elephants in Hwange National Park

September 6th, 2013 11 years ago

Forty-one elephants were poisoned with cyanide in Hwange National Park by poachers seeking to exploit the wildlife for ivory. This incident occurred within the vast salt pans of the park, where the poison was used to lure the elephants to nearby watering holes. The motivation behind this act was the lucrative black market for ivory, prompting poachers to take extreme measures to capture and kill these majestic animals for profit. The poaching incident highlighted the rampant illegal wildlife trade within the region.

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Politics & Government

Nigeria enacts law against same-sex marriage

May 30th, 2013 12 years ago

Nigeria enacted a law prohibiting same-sex marriage and related activities. The legislation was signed by President Goodluck Jonathan and includes penalties for individuals and organizations supporting same-sex relationships. This law reflects the country's conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights amid increasing global discussions on sexual orientation equality.

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Military & Warfare

Assault on Kismayo by Somali Forces

September 28th, 2012 12 years ago

Somali and African Union forces united in a campaign to reclaim the strategic port city of Kismayo from al-Shabaab militants. The coordinated assault involved ground troops and aerial support, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The city has been a vital hub for trade and military operations, and freeing it was crucial to help stabilize the region and diminish al-Shabaab's influence. The attack underscores the collaborative effort between Somali forces and the African Union in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

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Politics & Government

Libyan National Transitional Council Declares Victory

October 23rd, 2011 13 years ago

On this day, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) declared the end of the Libyan Civil War following the death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The NTC announced that the conflict, which had spanned several months, resulted in the successful rebellion against Gaddafi's four-decade rule. This declaration was made in the city of Benghazi, where the uprising initially began, indicating a significant turning point for Libya. The NTC aimed to establish a new government and restore security in the country while inviting international support for its rebuilding efforts.

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Politics & Government

South Sudan Gains Independence from Sudan

July 9th, 2011 13 years ago

South Sudan emerged as an independent nation, separating from Sudan after decades of civil war and conflict. Following a referendum where the overwhelming majority voted for independence, the country was officially declared independent on this day, marking a new era for the region. Juba, the capital of South Sudan, became the focal point of celebrations and the establishment of a new government, seeking to address long-standing issues of development and peace.

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