Historical Events tagged with "coup"

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.

Politics & Government

Jamaat al Muslimeen Coup Attempt in Trinidad

July 27th, 1990 34 years ago

A group led by Yasin Abu Bakr attempted to overthrow the Trinidad and Tobago government. Armed members of the Jamaat al Muslimeen stormed the Red House in Port of Spain, taking hostages, and declaring a coup. The unrest lasted six days and ended with their surrender to law enforcement, revealing deep political and social tensions in the country.

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Politics & Government

Prosper Avril Ousted from Power in Haiti

March 10th, 1990 35 years ago

Prosper Avril was ousted from power in Haiti after a coup d'état that he staged himself in September 1988. Over the ensuing months, his increasingly authoritarian regime faced widespread opposition, culminating in a series of protests and calls for his resignation. The Haitian populace, weary of Avril's tactics, rallied around the opposition. Ultimately, this culminated in Avril's departure from power as protests grew larger and a democratic transition began to emerge, leading to the first free elections in the nation.

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Politics & Government

Panama City Coup Attempt Resulting in Executions

October 3rd, 1989 35 years ago

On this day, a coup attempt in Panama City was swiftly suppressed by government forces. The attempt aimed to unseat the then-incumbent leader, Manuel Noriega, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and dissatisfaction with his regime. In the aftermath, eleven individuals identified as participants in the coup were executed. This incident highlighted the intense political turbulence within Panama at the time, where power struggles and public dissent were rampant.

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Politics & Government

Coup in Sudan ousts elected government leaders

June 30th, 1989 35 years ago

On June 30, a coup led by the National Islamic Front took place in Sudan, resulting in the ousting of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi and President Ahmed al-Mirghani. The coup was orchestrated primarily by Lieutenant Colonel Omar al-Bashir, who seized control amidst a backdrop of economic difficulties, civil strife, and political instability. The coup leaders aimed to establish a government that aligned with their Islamic ideologies, marking a decisive shift in Sudan's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Ends Alfredo Stroessner's Regime

February 3rd, 1989 36 years ago

Alfredo Stroessner, the long-time dictator of Paraguay, was overthrown by a military coup that marked the end of his 35-year rule. The coup was initiated by discontent within the military and the public against Stroessner's authoritarian regime, which was characterized by human rights abuses and corruption. The coup was led by General Andrés Rodríguez, who had previously been a loyal supporter of Stroessner, leading to surprise among many. The military took control of key government buildings and announced the new leadership within hours, bringing an immediate change in political direction and promising a transition to democracy.

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Military & Warfare

Sri Lankan Tamil Mercenaries in Maldivian Coup

November 3rd, 1988 36 years ago

A group of Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries attempted to overthrow the Maldivian government, targeting key installations in Malé. The rebellion was short-lived as President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom called for assistance. The Indian military quickly intervened, suppressing the revolt within 24 hours. This marked a significant moment in regional security dynamics.

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Politics & Government

Coup d'état Against President Henri Namphy

September 18th, 1988 36 years ago

General Prosper Avril led a coup d'état that ousted General Henri Namphy from the presidency of Haiti, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Namphy had taken power in 1986 after the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, but his presidency faced increasing unrest and dissatisfaction. The coup occurred amid growing tensions and challenges in governing, ultimately leading to Avril's assumption of leadership as the military's choice to restore order.

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Politics & Government

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali Seizes Power in Tunisia

November 7th, 1987 37 years ago

Habib Bourguiba, the long-standing president of Tunisia, was ousted from power by Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This transition occurred in a political context where economic issues and public dissatisfaction were prominent. The coup was largely bloodless and followed a series of discontent and protests against Bourguiba's rule, which had lasted for over three decades. Ben Ali seized control, promising reforms and stability.

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Politics & Government

Thomas Sankara Overthrown and Assassinated

October 15th, 1987 37 years ago

Thomas Sankara, the President of Burkina Faso, was overthrown and killed in a coup d'état led by his former colleague Blaise Compaoré. The coup took place in Ouagadougou, where military forces loyal to Compaoré stormed the presidential residence, resulting in Sankara's assassination. The motives behind the coup included political differences and the desire for power, as Sankara had promoted radical reforms and anti-colonial policies that sometimes alienated his former allies. This pivotal event marked a significant shift in Burkina Faso's political landscape.

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