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Chad military coup by General Odingar

On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council. The most important factor leading up to the coup was a growing...

On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council.

The most important factor leading up to the coup was a growing sentiment of distrust towards Tombalbaye inside the Chadian army. This distrust was exacerbated by the president's planned purge of the military cadre. It was also linked to the army's incapacity to deal with the ongoing rebellion waged by the FROLINAT, FAN and related insurgent groups.

There are strong indications of French involvement in (or at least tacit acceptance and foreknowledge of) the coup, despite French support to Tombalbaye's regime throughout the years.

Historical Significance

On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council.

Events Before

  1. Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-ga

    Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-game record for assists by a rookie

  2. Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

    Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

  3. Science fiction TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man" premieres on ABC, starring Lee Majors

    The Six Million Dollar Man is an American science fiction and action television series, running from 1973 to 1978, about a former astronaut, USAF Colonel Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors.

  4. Barbra Streisand's first #1 hit, "The Way We Were"

    The Way We Were is the fifteenth studio album recorded by American singer Barbra Streisand.

  5. Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Dri

    Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California; patrons watch from horseback rather than cars

Events After

  1. Chai Jing is born

    Chai Jing, Chinese journalist and environmental activist, known for chinese journalist and environmental activist, was born on 1976-01-01. Chai Jing is a Chinese journalist.

  2. After 45 years of coaching, Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns; Cincinnati Bengals) announces his retirement from the National

    After 45 years of coaching, Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns; Cincinnati Bengals) announces his retirement from the National Football League

  3. Sarah Caldwell becomes the first woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House, leading the orchestra in a performanc

    Sarah Caldwell becomes the first woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House, leading the orchestra in a performance of "La Traviata"

  4. "I Write the Songs" cover by Barry Manilow hits #1

    "I Write the Songs" is a popular song written by Bruce Johnston. Barry Manilow's version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1976 after spending two weeks atop the Billboard…

  5. Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier (48) weds Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus

    Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier (48) weds Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus

More from the 1970s

death

Erroll Garner dies

Erroll Garner dies

birth

Chai Jing is born

Chai Jing, Chinese journalist and environmental activist, known for chinese journalist and environmental activist, was born on 1976-01-01. Chai Jing is a Chinese journalist.

Charles "Chub" Feeney becomes the President of Major League Baseball's National League

Charles Stoneham "Chub" Feeney (August 31, 1921 – January 10, 1994) was an Irish-American front office executive in Major League Baseball.

Cigarette advertisements are banned from broadcast media in the US

Cigarette advertisements are banned from broadcast media in the US

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 13, 1975?
On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council. The most important factor leading up to the coup was a growing sentiment of distrust towards Tombalbaye inside the Chadian army. This distrust was exacerbated by the president's planned purge of the military cadre.
Why is Chad military coup by General Odingar significant?
On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council.

Explore More

April 13 in HistoryYear 1975