Anniversary Of The Failed Attack On Lomé
Although the Anniversary of the Failed Attack on Lome isn’t a public holiday on which people have the day off or businesses are closed, it is an important holiday in Togo. This holiday remembers the 1986 coup d’etat attempt that happened in Togo on September 24, 1986.
Togo (Public holiday)On this date, a group of men launched an assault on the military barracks that served as the home of the president of Togo at the time. This was a bid to try to topple the government, but it ultimately failed. It’s a holiday that’s observed with solemn ceremonies, exhibitions, and presentations that highlight the importance of the day.
The History Of The Failed Attack On Lome In Toga
During the mid-19th century, Togo was occupied by German traders and colonists and in 1885 it became a protectorate. All across the country, plantations were set up by both German corporations and by the colonial government. During WWI, British and French colonial troops from Dahomey and the Gold Coast secured the surrender of the Germans.
This is when the eastern portion of Togo became administered by France and the western part was administered by the British. On April 26, 1960, the Togolese Republic was proclaimed and the first presidential elections were held the following year.
Sylvanus Olympio would become the first president of the country. Jumping ahead to 1986, this was the time when rebels entered the city of Lome in about 30 or 40 trucks. They headed to a military camp where President General Gnassingbé Eyadéma lived and they launched an assault on it with machine guns and rocket launchers.
Rebels also attacked the governing political party headquarters and the radio station. The result of the attack is the Togolese Armed Forces were able to repel the attack. Not only did the President General of Togo survive the attack, but he was re-elected unopposed on December 21, 1986. He would rule the country until his death on February 5th, 2005.
Observing The Failed Attack On Lome In Toga
This holiday is observed with minimal celebrations, although there may be public observances established by the government. It’s a day to highlight the 1986 coup d’etat attempt to overthrow the government.
Togo (Public holiday)
