Want to know what happened Today in History Africa: 16 January? These are 3 historical events that took place today, in the continent of Africa and the African diaspora.
The continent of Africa has an immensely rich history; hidden African history is becoming more accessible as it is finally coming to light. African history, people, culture and books have influenced and inspired the world for time immemorial; it is now time for Africa to shine!
In this post you will learn about the many things that happened today in history in Africa and in the African diaspora like who is Africa’s Iron Lady, .
After reading this post you will know tons of facts about Africa in relation to: .
This post is all about what happened Today in History Africa 16 January.
Today in History Africa: 16 January
Historical Events
First elected female african president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
On this day, 16 January 2006, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first democratically-elected female head of state in the continent of Africa; she served two terms as the president of Liberia – until 2018.
Also know as Africa’s Iron Lady, while in office, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf proved to be an excellent president as she also became known for her “political prowess”. In the United States, former President Sirleaf attended the University of Colorado Boulder where she earned a BA in economics; and from the Harvard Kennedy School she earned a Master of Public Administration. Upon her return to Liberia she served as the Deputy Minister of Finance of the country in William Tolbert’s administration before briefly working abroad again for the World Bank and later, once back, she served as the Minister Finance of Liberia.
In the aftermath of the Liberian coup d’état of 1980, Ellen Sirleaf fled from her home country to the United States and then Kenya, where she worked at the World Bank and CitiBank respectively. Later she served in the United Nations where she was appointed Director of the organisation’s Development Programme as the Assistant Administrator and Assistant Secretary General. At the UN she played a vital role. Sirleaf was one of the few selected to investigate the Rwandan Genocide and later the effect of conflict on women and women’s roles in peace building, she was also part of the Commission Chairs for the Inter-Congolese Dialogue.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has greatly impacted the world with her good works. Among the multitude of awards she has received are: The Ralph Bunche International Leadership Award, The Chief of Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya and the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf remains an inspiration for all and a reminder to all that women are important members for international development and are capable of great achievement.
African Holidays
Anniversary of Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s Assassination
Today is the Anniversary of the assassination of Laurent-Désiré Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a public holiday in the country that is celebrated yearly on the 16 of January.
On this day, 16 January 2001, the then president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated in his home office. He was shot dead by his body guard, 18 year old Rashidi Mizele.
It is said that his assassination was executed by Kadogos, who fought alongside him against Mobutu Sese Seko’s military dictatorship. The word “Kadogos” means little ones in Swahili and is often used to describe child soldiers particularly those in eastern Africa. Prior to his death Kabila had had many kadogos murdered for reasons such as attempted murder and many were displeased and felt betrayed by Kabila’s relations with a long-time enemy.
He was immedietaly succeeded by his son Joseph Kabila who served as president until 2019.
INTERNATIONAL HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY
Today, 16 January, is International Hot and spicy food day. Eat spicy and hot food like nigerian pepper soup.
This post was all about what happened today in history Africa 16 January.
Today in History Africa series:
Previous Day: Today in History Africa: 15 January
Next Day: Today in History Africa: 17 January
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