Historical Events tagged with "ethiopia"

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

Eritrea Declares Independence from Ethiopia

May 24th, 1993 31 years ago

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia after a long struggle. The declaration followed a United Nations-supervised referendum where the Eritrean people overwhelmingly voted for independence. The struggle for self-determination began in the 1960s, marked by armed conflict and political activism. The People's Front for Democracy and Justice, led by Isaias Afwerki, played a crucial role in the liberation movement. Following decades of conflict, Eritrea achieved full sovereignty for the first time on this historic occasion.

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Politics & Government

Eritrea Gains Independence from Ethiopia

April 23rd, 1993 31 years ago

Eritreans voted in a United Nations-monitored referendum to declare their independence from Ethiopia, resulting in an overwhelming majority favoring secession. The referendum was a culmination of a lengthy struggle for self-determination that began in the early 1960s. Over 99% of the voters chose independence, marking a significant milestone in Eritrean history. The referendum, which took place in Eritrea, was perceived as a fair process overseen by the international community, further validating the people's desires for autonomy and national identity.

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Politics & Government

Fall of Addis Ababa and Derg Regime's End

May 28th, 1991 33 years ago

Addis Ababa was captured by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), signaling the collapse of the Derg regime and bringing an end to the prolonged Ethiopian Civil War. The EPRDF's victory was marked by widespread jubilation among supporters, as it concluded years of brutal conflict and dictatorial rule. The city became the focal point of the conflict as various factions vied for control, impacting national stability and governance.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Operation Solomon Evacuates Ethiopian Jews

May 24th, 1991 33 years ago

Operation Solomon was a large-scale airlift that took place to evacuate Jews from Ethiopia to Israel. It occurred over 36 hours, beginning on May 24, 1991, and involved the use of 34 aircraft, which successfully transported approximately 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. The operation was launched in response to the deteriorating situation in Ethiopia, where civil war and famine threatened the lives of the Jewish community known as Beta Israel. This coordinated effort involved both the Israeli government and Jewish organizations worldwide.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Plane crash claims lives of U.S. Congressman and others

August 7th, 1989 35 years ago

A plane crash in Ethiopia leads to the deaths of U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland and 15 others. The crash occurred during a humanitarian mission to deliver assistance to regions impacted by famine and conflict. Leland was known for his advocacy in addressing hunger and human rights issues in Africa. The event garners significant attention due to the tragic loss of public figures engaged in humanitarian efforts.

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Military & Warfare

EPLF's Victory in the Battle of Afabet

March 20th, 1988 36 years ago

The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) successfully captured the strategic town of Afabet after defeating the Ethiopian government's Nadew Command. This victory marked a significant achievement in the long-standing Eritrean War of Independence, enhancing EPLF's position in the conflict. The battle showcased the determination of the Eritrean forces as they fought for their liberation against an entrenched Ethiopian military presence.

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Military & Warfare

EPLF Attacks Ethiopian Army at Afabet

March 17th, 1988 36 years ago

The Eritrean People's Liberation Front launched an assault on the Nadew Command, a corps of the Ethiopian army, from three flanks in a strategic military engagement at Afabet. This action marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Eritrean War of Independence, showcasing the tactical capabilities of the EPLF against a numerically superior foe. As the troops faced coordinated attacks, the outcome would significantly affect military morale and operational plans for both sides.

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Arts & Culture

USA for Africa Records 'We Are the World'

January 28th, 1985 40 years ago

Musicians from various genres collaborated to record 'We Are the World', with proceeds aimed at alleviating famine in Ethiopia. The song featured prominent names, creating a powerful anthem for humanitarian aid. This major effort took place in Los Angeles, uniting artists for a common cause, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility and global awareness.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ethiopian Train Disaster Claims 428 Lives

January 13th, 1985 40 years ago

A passenger train derailed and plunged into a ravine near Sodo, Ethiopia, resulting in the deaths of 428 individuals, marking it as the most devastating railroad disaster in Africa. Factors contributing to the accident included the poor state of the infrastructure and the challenging weather conditions. The incident shocked the nation and drew attention to the urgent need for improvements in the rail system to ensure passenger safety.

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