User talk:Nani 14

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Field Marshal Idi Amin

Idi Amin addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York, 1975

3rd President of Uganda In office January 25, 1971 – April 11, 1979 Vice President Mustafa Adrisi Preceded by Milton Obote Succeeded by Yusufu Lule

Born 1 January 1925(1925-01-01) Koboko or Kampala[A], Uganda Protectorate Died 16 August 2003(2003-08-16) (aged 78) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Nationality Ugandan Spouse(s) Malyamu Amin (divorced) Kay Amin (divorced) Nora Amin (divorced) Madina Amin Sarah Amin Profession Soldier Religion Islam Military service Allegiance United Kingdom Uganda Service/branch British Army Ugandan Army Years of service 1946-1979 Rank Field Marshal Unit King's African Rifles Commands Commander-in-Chief of the Forces Battles/wars Mau Mau Uprising 1971 Ugandan coup d'état Idi Amin Dada (1 January 1925[A] – 16 August 2003) was a military leader and President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Amin joined the British colonial regiment, the King's African Rifles, in 1946, and eventually held the rank of Major General and Commander of the Ugandan Army prior to taking 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[1] to 500,000. Notable backers of Amin included Muammar al-Gaddafi's Libya, the Soviet Union and East Germany,[2][3][4] with early support for his regime coming from the United Kingdom, Israel, and Apartheid-era South Africa.[5]

In 1975–1976, Amin became the Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity, a pan-Africanist group designed to promote solidarity of the African states.[6] During the 1977–1979 period, Uganda was appointed to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.[7] From 1977 to 1979, Amin titled himself as "His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor[B] Idi Amin Dada, VC,[C] DSO, MC, Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular".[8]

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 regime. Amin later fled to exile in Libya and Saudi Arabia, where he died on 16 August 2003.