Politics

603 sourced events. Showing 601-603.

Events

Politics Timeline

2011

Politics 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa

South Sudan Declares Independence from Sudan

Decades of civil war between northern and southern Sudan, rooted in ethnic, religious, and resource disputes, ended with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that included a referendum on southern self-determination. The January 2011 referendum saw over 98% vote for independence. On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan formally declared independence in Juba, becoming the world's newest sovereign nation and Africa's 54th country. International recognition followed immediately, including from the United States and the United Nations, which established a new peacekeeping mission.

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2011

Politics 21st Century Middle East & North Africa

Muammar Gaddafi Captured and Killed in Sirte

Following the Arab Spring uprising and NATO-supported rebel advances, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime collapsed in August 2011. Gaddafi fled Tripoli and sought refuge in his hometown of Sirte, one of the last loyalist strongholds. On October 20, rebel forces from the National Transitional Council overran the city after weeks of fighting. Gaddafi’s convoy was attacked by NATO aircraft and then ambushed; he was captured alive near a drainage pipe, beaten by fighters, and fatally shot. His death ended 42 years of rule and marked the culmination of the Libyan civil war, though it left the country fragmented.

Event Detail US Military Atlas

2018

Politics 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma Resigns

Post-apartheid South Africa faced persistent challenges with corruption, inequality, and governance under the African National Congress. Jacob Zuma, president since 2009, had been embroiled in scandals including allegations of state capture by private interests and personal corruption charges. On February 14, 2018, amid mounting pressure from his own party and public protests, Zuma resigned after a late-night meeting with ANC leaders. He was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa, who had defeated Zuma's preferred candidate in party elections. The resignation followed a no-confidence motion threat and highlighted internal ANC fractures over accountability.

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