Historical Events tagged with "comoros"

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.

Accidents & Tragedies

Yemenia Flight 626 crashes in Indian Ocean

June 30th, 2009 15 years ago

Yemenia Flight 626, an Airbus A310-300, plunged into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros islands, resulting in the deaths of 152 passengers and crew members. The flight, which originated from Paris and was en route to Moroni, lost contact with air traffic control before the crash. Among the unfortunate souls was a 14-year-old girl named Bahia Bakari, who remarkably survived the devastating accident, clinging to a piece of debris in the water until she was rescued.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 Hijacked and Crashed

November 23rd, 1996 28 years ago

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 was hijacked by three armed men on November 23, 1996, shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The aircraft was a Boeing 767, and the hijackers demanded to fly to Australia but diverted to the Comoros Islands. After several hours in the air and running out of fuel, the plane crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros archipelago, resulting in the deaths of 125 individuals onboard, while 50 passengers survived.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Bob Denard's Mercenary Coup in Comoros

September 28th, 1995 29 years ago

Bob Denard, the infamous French mercenary, led a group of mercenaries in a coup to seize control of the Comoros islands. This takeover involved the capture of government buildings and the detention of its leaders. Denard's motivations were rooted in personal ambition and past political rivalries. He aimed to restore an exiled leader, influencing the region's political landscape amidst ongoing instability. The coup was swift and marked by military precision.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Comoros Becomes a United Nations Member

November 12th, 1975 49 years ago

The Comoros officially joined the United Nations as a member state, marking its recognition on a global platform. This event followed its independence from France earlier that year, emphasizing the nation's commitment to sovereignty and international diplomacy. The decision to join the UN was met with optimism among the Comorian leaders and the population, who saw it as a step toward active participation in global affairs. The island nation, consisting of three main islands in the Indian Ocean, aimed to address development issues and strengthen its international relations through this membership.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Comoros Achieves Independence from France

July 6th, 1975 49 years ago

The Comoros, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, declared its independence from France after a referendum showed overwhelming support for self-governance. The process for independence began in the early 1970s, when local leaders and pro-independence movements gained traction, advocating for autonomy in the face of French colonial rule. Following a vote, the Comoros proclaimed its sovereignty, marking a significant moment in the island's quest for self-determination and its desire to forge a national identity distinct from its colonial past.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Comoros Vote for Independence from France

December 22nd, 1974 50 years ago

Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli voted to become independent from France, establishing the Union of the Comoros. In this decisive referendum, a majority preferred independence over continued colonial rule, while Mayotte opted to remain under French administration. The decision marked a significant step towards self-determination for the archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Continue Reading