Historical Events tagged with "military 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

Military Coup in Sierra Leone Overthrows Kabbah

May 25th, 1997 27 years ago

On May 25, 1997, a military coup in Sierra Leone led by Major Johnny Paul Koroma overthrew President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. The coup occurred after years of civil unrest and conflict, as various factions vied for power in the country. The military recognized the increasing instability and decided to take action against Kabbah's government, which they accused of failing to restore order. The coup resulted in Koroma assuming leadership, further complicating Sierra Leone's tumultuous political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara Overthrows Mahamane Ousmane

January 27th, 1996 29 years ago

In a dramatic shift of power, Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara led a military coup in Niger to remove the country's first democratically elected president, Mahamane Ousmane. The coup occurred amid rising dissatisfaction with Ousmane's administration, which faced significant challenges, including economic struggles and social unrest. The coup, staged in the capital city of Niamey, quickly gained support from various military factions, leading to Ousmane's arrest and subsequent detention. This change in leadership marked a significant turn in Niger's political landscape, shifting from democratic governance back to military rule.

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Politics & Government

Zviad Gamsakhurdia Flees Georgia Amid Crisis

January 6th, 1992 33 years ago

Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first elected President of Georgia, fled the country following a military coup that aimed to oust him from power. The coup, driven by discontent among the military and the public, unfolded in Tbilisi, where Gamsakhurdia faced significant opposition and allegations of authoritarianism. As the political situation deteriorated rapidly, Gamsakhurdia's departure marked a significant turning point in Georgia's tumultuous post-Soviet era.

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Politics & Government

Bloodless Coup in Ciskei Removes Sebe

March 4th, 1990 35 years ago

Lennox Sebe, the long-standing President of Ciskei, was ousted by a military coup led by Brigadier Oupa Gqozo. The coup, notable for its lack of violence, marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the Ciskei Bantustan. Major power struggles within the region had created ripe conditions for a military takeover, reflecting broader tensions in South Africa during this period of upheaval. The coup was executed swiftly and effectively, resulting in Sebe's removal and Gqozo's ascension to power, thus ending Sebe's contentious rule.

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Politics & Government

Stella Sigcau Ousted by General Bantu Holomisa

December 30th, 1987 37 years ago

In a swift and bloodless military coup, Stella Sigcau was ousted from her position as Prime Minister of the Transkei, a South African Bantustan. The coup, led by General Bantu Holomisa, occurred in response to widespread dissatisfaction with Sigcau's administration, which had been marred by accusations of corruption and inefficiency. Holomisa, largely supported by the Transkei Defense Force, took control of key government functions without the invocation of violence, leading to a significant shift in power dynamics within the region.

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Politics & Government

Thomas Sankara Ousts Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo

August 4th, 1983 41 years ago

Captain Thomas Sankara led a coup d'état in Upper Volta, ousting President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo. The coup was motivated by widespread dissatisfaction with Ouédraogo's government, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Sankara, a popular military leader, rose to power quickly, appealing to the hopes and needs of the people for economic and social reforms. The coup marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, with Sankara promising a new era of governance.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Ousts David Dacko in Central Africa

September 1st, 1981 43 years ago

General André Kolingba led a bloodless military coup to oust President David Dacko from power in the Central African Republic. The coup was executed without violence on September 1, 1981, effectively ending Dacko's presidency, which had lasted several years since his return to power. Kolingba justified his actions by claiming the need for a more stable and effective government in the face of weakening political structures within the country.

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Politics & Government

Colonel Saye Zerbo Ousts Sangoulé Lamizana

November 25th, 1980 44 years ago

Colonel Saye Zerbo led a coup d'état in Upper Volta, overthrowing President Sangoulé Lamizana. This power shift occurred due to growing dissatisfaction with Lamizana's administration, marked by economic struggles and political unrest. The coup took place without significant violence, showcasing a notable moment in the country’s political history. Following the coup, Zerbo established a military regime with promises of stability and reform, but lasting change proved complex.

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Politics & Government

Dési Bouterse Leads Suriname Military Coup

February 25th, 1980 45 years ago

A military coup led by Dési Bouterse overthrew the Surinamese government. The coup was a direct response to political instability, economic issues, and social unrest in Suriname. Bouterse, a young army officer, and other military leaders seized power in the capital, Paramaribo. This coup marked a pivotal moment in Suriname’s governance, shifting from a democratic to a military regime.

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