1973: Severe Drought Hundreds Perish
A seven-year drought in sub-Saharan Africa brought starvation to 100,000 people in the countries of Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Burkina Faso. (HC)
1971: Idi Amin Seizes Power in Uganda
In January, while the Ugandan President Milton Obote was out of the country, Colonel Idi Amin staged a coup to oust the President. Amin soon began a reign of terror…
1970: Biafra Capitulates Ending Civil War
A civil war in Nigeria lasted for three years. Most countries in Africa supported the central government because of the fear of a similar breakup in their respective countries. “The…
1966: Nigerian Civil War Breaks Out
In January, a series of insurrections in the Nigerian army resulted in chaos in the country. “Troops murdered their officers, civilians killed each other.” The governor of the Nigerian Eastern…
1966: Lesotho Gains Independence
On October 4th the British colony of Basutoland became independent and was renamed Lesotho. It became a monarchy under King Moshoeshoe. Chief Leabua Jonathan became Prime Minister.
1966: Botswana Gains Independence
On September 30th Botswana, formerly called the Bechuanaland Protectorate, became independent. Its first President was Sir Seretes Khama.