Idi Amin

Idi Amin

Idi Amin Dada (mid-1920s – 16 August 2003) was third President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Amin joined the British colonial regiment, the King's African Rifles in 1946, serving in Somalia and Kenya. Eventually, Amin held the rank of Major General in the post-colonial Ugandan Army and became its Commander before seizing power in the military coup of January 1971, deposing Milton Obote. He later promoted himself to Field Marshal while he was the head of state.

Amin's rule was characterised by human rights abuse, political repression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings, nepotism, corruption, and gross economic mismanagement. The number of people killed as a result of his regime is estimated by international observers and human rights groups to range from 100,000 to 500,000. During his years in power, Amin shifted in allegiance from being a pro-Western ruler enjoying considerable Israeli support, to being backed by Libya's Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Soviet Union and East Germany. In 1975–1976, Amin became the Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), a Pan-Africanist group designed to promote solidarity of the African states. During the 1977–1979 period, Uganda was a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. In 1977, when Britain broke diplomatic relations with Uganda, Amin declared he had defeated the British and added "CBE", for "Conqueror of the British Empire", to his title. Radio Uganda then announced his entire title: "His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Alhaji Dr. Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE".

Dissent within Uganda and Amin's attempt to annex the Kagera province of Tanzania in 1978 led to the Uganda–Tanzania War and the demise of his eight-year regime – leading Amin to flee to exile first to Libya, then to Saudi Arabia where he lived until his death on 16 August 2003.

Read more about Idi AminFamily and Associates, Erratic Behaviour, Self-bestowed Titles, and Media Portrayal

Other articles related to "idi amin, amin":

The Collected Broadcasts Of Idi Amin
... The Collected Broadcasts of Idi Amin is a British comedy album parodying Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, released in 1975 on Transatlantic Records ...
Military History Of Uganda - Under Idi Amin (1971-1979)
... Further information Uganda under Idi Amin and Idi Amin Despite protestations by Amin that he remained loyal, Obote decided to rid himself of the perceived threat in January 1971 ... on a foreign trip, Obote ordered Langi military officers to arrest Amin and his close supporters ... However, word of the plot was leaked to Amin before it could be carried out, prompting Amin to carry out a pre-emptive coup ...
Andrew Kayiira - The UNLF Factor
... group formed by exiled Ugandans opposed to the rule of Idi Amin ... wing in liberating Uganda from the alleged autocratic leadership of Idi Amin Dada ... Tanzanian forces in the Uganda-Tanzania War that led to the overthrow of Idi Amin's regime ...
Idi Amin - Portrayal in Media and Literature - Books
... State of Blood The Inside Story of Idi Amin (1977) by Henry Kyemba The General Is Up by Peter Nazareth Ghosts of Kampala The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin (1980) by George ... in part for a music release – "The Collected Broadcasts of Idi Amin" ... comedy album parodying Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, released in 1975 on Transatlantic Records ...
Muammar Gaddafi - Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - Alliances With Authoritarian National Leaders
... See also Idi Amin and Uganda-Tanzania War Despite backing pro-democracy causes in Africa, Gaddafi fuelled rebellions in countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as having a close relationship to Uganda's ... When Amin's government began to crumble, Gaddafi sent troops to fight against Tanzania on behalf of Amin, and 600 Libyan soldiers were killed during combat operations ... Nevertheless, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who had played major role in overthrowing Idi Amin said in February, "Muammar Gaddafi, whatever his ...