Today is Second Republic Day in Guinea. It commemorates the coup that overthrew the Toure government in 1984.
In 1958, the French Fourth Republic collapsed due to political instability and its failures in dealing with its colonies, especially Indochina and Algeria. The French Fifth Republic gave the colonies the choice of autonomy in a new French Community or immediate independence, in the referendum of 28 September 1958. Unlike most other colonies, Guinea voted overwhelmingly for independence. It was led by Ahmed Sékou Touré whose Democratic Party of Guinea-African Democratic Rally (PDG) had won 56 of 60 seats in 1957 territorial elections. The French withdrew, and on 2 October 1958, Guinea proclaimed itself a sovereign and independent republic, with Sékou Touré as president.
The Washington Post observed the “brutal” French tearing down all that they considered their contributions to Guinea: “In reaction, and as a warning to other French-speaking territories, the French pulled out of Guinea over a two-month period, taking everything they could with them. They unscrewed lightbulbs, removed plans for sewage pipelines in Conakry, the capital, and even burned medicines rather than leave them for the Guineans.
Touré instituted a one-party system and ruled until 1984. He died during a heart operation in March and was meant to be succeeded by his lieutenant, Louis Lansana Beavogui. Hours before Beavoqui was due to be sworn in, colonels Lansana Conté and Diarra Traoré seized power in a bloodless coup and proclaimed the second republic.
Asked Alexa to announce to my wife, “please bring up 2 pillow cases por favor”
SIGNS!!!!!!
Today is the birthday, in 1941, of Jan Berry, who with Jan and Dean, had the 1963 US No.1 & UK No.26 single ‘Surf City’, co-written by The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson. Berry died on 26th March 2004 after being in poor health from the lingering effects of brain damage after a 1966 car crash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxPgFUjDpA
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