Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1983-87
Thomas Sankara rules over Burkina Faso, a Ché Guevara-style figure who stamped out corruption
and captured the imagination of a generation of West Africans.
1997
Sierra Leone erupts in a civil war in which hundreds of thousands are killed or maimed. Conflict in
neighbouring Liberia and massive refugee camps in Guinea contribute to a regional humanitarian
catastrophe.
2000
Côte d'Ivoire begins its descent into anarchy. Within years, the country is divided in two and immig-
rants who helped build the country's economic miracle are made scapegoats.
2005
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is elected president in Liberia, ending decades of civil war and in the process
becoming Africa's first elected female president.
2007
Tuareg rebels launch a rebellion in northern Niger and the conflict soon spills over into Mali. Much
of the Sahara becomes the domain of rebels and government soldiers.
2008
Ghana wins plaudits for its peaceful democratic transition. With the discovery of offshore oil and a
proven track record of democracy, Ghana is widely seen as West Africa's shining light.
2011
In Côte d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo refuses to accept the election victory of Alassane Outtara;
Gbagbo is later captured and sent for trial in The Hague.
2012
The Malian army seizes power, ending the country's democratic transition; Tuareg and Islamist
rebels soon capture the north, including Timbuktu and Gao; the international community approves a
regional military force.
2012
Soon after being chosen as the NDC's candidate in upcoming elections, Ghanaian president Atta
Mills dies; President John Mahama, his NDC successor, narrowly wins elections in December .
Search WWH ::




Custom Search