This Day in African History: 16 January

106 12
1956, 16 January
Islam is now the official Egyptian state religion, by order of Egyptian government.

1966, 16 January
Nigerian Army chief, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, briefly takes power in a military coup. Over 50 government officials are killed, including the existing prime minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Although it is was claimed to be an attempt to rid the government of corruption, most of those killed were Hausa Moslems from the north of Nigeria, whereas the new "government" is mostly Ibo from Eastern Nigeria.

1970, 16 January
Private Muammar Kadhaffi, promoted to Colonel, becomes premier of Libya.

1975, 16 January
Angola achieves independence from Portugal.
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