He was called "Black Hitler". How a British soldier became a bloody dictator
History The twentieth century knows a lot of dictators, whose names and decades later after their overthrow or death compatriots pronounce with fear, hatred or contempt. The most terrible and “cannibal” (sometimes literally) dictatorships in modern history existed in the countries of the “third world” - in Asian and African states. Thus, in Uganda, Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada was in power from 1971 to 1979. He was called the “Black Hitler,” however, the dictator of one of the poorest African countries didn’t hide his sympathy for the Fuhrer of the Third Reich. The history of the African continent eight years of the dictatorship of Idi Amin Dada entered as one of the bloodiest pages. Despite the fact that authoritarian leaders were in power in many countries of the continent, the name Idi Amin became a household name. It was he who unleashed a brutal terror against the groups of Ugandans he hated - first against people from India, whose imposing communities live in many East African countries, then against the Christian population of the country. In the West, Idi Amin has always been portrayed as a caricature character — after all, many of his actions were seriously impossible to take. What are the proposals to move the UN headquarters to Uganda or the requirement to appoint him as the new head of the British Commonwealth instead of the Queen of England?
Like many African dictators, the exact date and place of birth of a man named Idi Amin Ume Dada is unknown. Therefore, it is assumed that he was born 17 May 1928, most likely in Koboko or Kampala. Idi Amin's father Andre Nyabire (1889-1976) was descended from the Kakwa nationality and first professed Catholicism, but then converted to Islam. Mother, Assa Aatte (1904-1970) belonged to the people of the Lugbar and worked as a nurse, although in fact she was a tribal healer and sorceress. When 39-year-old Andre Nyabire and 24-year-old Assa Aate got a baby - a hero who already weighed five kilograms in the first week, none of his relatives knew that after more than four decades he would become the sole ruler of Uganda. The boy was named Idi Avo-Ongo Angu Amin. He grew up strong and tall guy. In his mature years, Go had a height of 192, see and weighed more than 110 a kilogram. But if the physical nature of the young Ugandan is not cheated, then with the formation of a guy was worse. He until the end of 1950's. remained illiterate, could not read and write. But it differed enormous physical strength. It was the physical data that played the main role in the further fate of Idi Amin.
In 1946, Idi Amin was 18 years old. Replacing a number of classes, like the seller of sweet cookies, a strong guy decided to enlist in the service in the colonial troops and was accepted as an assistant chef in the rifle division. In 1947, he was recruited into the 21 Division of the Royal African Riflemen, which was redeployed to Somalia in 1949 to fight local insurgents. When the beginning of 1950's In neighboring Kenya, the famous Mau Mau rebellion began, units of British troops from neighboring colonies were transferred there. Turned out to Kenya and Idi Amin. It was during his military service that the nickname “Dada” - “Sister” got stuck to him. In fact, the nickname in the Ugandan division, which was inconsistent for the Russian soldier, was almost commendable - Idi Amin often changed his mistresses, whom he brought to his tent. Commanders, he represented them as his sisters. Therefore, colleagues and nicknamed the loving soldier "Sister."
While serving in the colonial troops, Idi Amin was remembered by commanders and fellow soldiers with incredible courage and cruelty against the rebels, against whom the Royal African Riflemen fought. In addition, Idi Amin did not let down his physical data. Nine years old - from 1951 to 1960 - he remained Uganda's heavyweight boxing champion. Thanks to these qualities, the military career of a completely illiterate soldier developed successfully. Already in 1948, one year after the start of the service, Idi Amin was given the rank of corporal, in 1952, the sergeant, and in 1953, the effendi. For the royal African shooter to rise to the rank of "efendi" - a warrant officer (an approximate analogue of ensign) was the ultimate dream. The officers in the colonial troops were only Europeans, so we can safely say that Idi Amin had already achieved the greatest possible career for an African in the British army by the 25 years. For eight years he served as an “efendi” in the battalion of the Royal African Riflemen, and in 1961 he became one of two Ugandan non-commissioned officers who received lieutenant shoulder straps.
October 9 1962 Uganda gained independence from the UK. Eduard Mutesa II of the Buganda tribe was proclaimed president of the kabak (king), Milton Obote, the Lango politician, was elected Prime Minister. The proclamation of state sovereignty meant the need to create their own armed forces of the country. It was decided to build them on the basis of the units of the former Royal African Riflemen stationed in Uganda. The commanders of the "Ugandans" shooters joined the newly formed armed forces of the country. Go Aminu was given the rank of captain, and in the next 1963 - the major of the Ugandan army. Since yesterday’s lieutenant of the colonial forces was one of several Ugandan officers, after independence, he immediately found himself at the very top of the military hierarchy of sovereign Uganda. Idi Amin became close friends with Milton Obote and was appointed deputy army commander. Meanwhile, between Mutesa II, who held the presidency of the country, and Prime Minister Obote there were growing contradictions.
In the end, Milton Obote, relying on the support of the military led by Idi Amin, in March 1966 overthrew Mutesu II and 15 in April 1966 declared himself president of the country. Idi Amin Dada was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ugandan Armed Forces, and in 1968 he was promoted to the rank of Major General. Having gained almost unlimited control over the army, Idi Amin began to strengthen his influence in the armed forces. First of all, he overrun the Ugandan army with his tribesmen Kakwa and Lugbar, as well as Nubians, who migrated from the Sudan during the colonial era. Having adopted Islam in the 16 years of age, Idi Amin always preferred Muslims who prevailed among the representatives of these peoples. Naturally, President Milton Obote saw in such a policy of Idi Amin a serious threat to his power. Therefore, in October, 1970 of Obote assumed the functions of commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the country, and Idi Amin again became deputy commander-in-chief. At the same time, the secret services began the development of Idi Amin as a well-known corrupt official. The general could be arrested from day to day, so when at the end of January 1971, President Milton Obote was in Singapore at the Commonwealth Summit, Idi Amin made a military coup of 25 in January 1971. 2 in February, Major General Idi Amin declared himself the new president of Uganda and regained the powers of the commander in chief of the armed forces.
Something, and tricks illiterate African arrow was not to occupy. In order to win the favor of the world community, Idi Amin promised that he would soon transfer power to a civilian government, freed political prisoners, that is, with all his strength he pretended to be a supporter of democracy. The new head of state tried to enlist the patronage of Britain and Israel. He arrived in Israel with the aim of receiving financial assistance, but did not meet with the support of the country's leadership. Offended by Israel, Idi Amin broke Uganda’s diplomatic relations with that country and reoriented towards Libya. Muammar Gaddafi, who himself came to power not so long ago, supported many anti-Western and anti-Israeli regimes and national movements. Idi Amin was no exception. As an ally of Libya, he could also count on assistance from the Soviet Union, which he soon took advantage of. The USSR provided military assistance to Uganda, which consisted primarily in the supply of weapons. Quickly forgetting about democracy, Idi Amin turned into a real dictator. His title sounded like this: “His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Al-Hadji Dr. Idi Amin, Lord of all animals on land and fish in the sea, Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in general and in Uganda in particular, holder of the Orders of the Victoria Cross, Military cross "and the Order" For Military Merit "."
Strengthening his power, Idi Amin began a policy of brutal repression. Representatives of the military elite, who did not agree with the policies of Idi Amin, were the first to be hit. General Suleiman Hussein, who held the post of chief of staff of the armed forces, was beheaded, and Idi Amin kept his head as a trophy in his refrigerator. By May 1971, that is, in the first five months of being in power, 10 000 Ugandans were killed as a result of repression - senior officers, officials, politicians. Most of the repressed belonged to the Acholi and Lango tribes, which were especially hated by Idi Aminu. The bodies of those killed were dumped in the Nile - eaten by crocodiles. 4 August 1972, Idi Amin launched a campaign against "petty-bourgeois Asians", as he called numerous Indian immigrants who lived in Uganda and were active in business. All Indians, and there were 55 000 people in the country, were ordered to leave Uganda within 90 days. Due to the expropriation of business and property of people from India, the Ugandan leader planned to improve their own well-being and “thank” for the support of their fellow tribesmen - officers and noncommissioned officers of the Ugandan army.
Ugandan Christians became the next target of repression by Idi Amin’s regime. Although Muslims at that time in Uganda, there were only 10% of the country's population, the Christian majority was discriminated against. The archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi Yanani Louvum, trying to protect his flock, appealed to Idi Amin with a petition. In response, the President of Uganda, during a personal meeting with the Archbishop, which occurred at the Nil Hotel in February 1977, personally shot a high-ranking cleric with his own hands. Repressions against the most educated sections of the population, corruption, and property theft turned Uganda into one of the poorest countries in Africa. The only item of expenses for which Idi Amin did not spare money was the maintenance of the Ugandan army.
Idi Amin positively assessed the personality of Adolf Hitler and was even going to erect a monument to the Fuhrer of the Third Reich in Kampala. But ultimately, the Ugandan dictator refused this idea - he was pressured by the Soviet leadership, who feared discrediting the USSR by such actions of Idi Amin, who continued to receive Soviet military aid. Already after the overthrow of Idi Amin, it became clear that he not only brutally destroyed his political opponents, but did not disdain to eat them. That is, along with the Central African dictator Bokassa, Idi Amin entered modern history and as a ruler is a cannibal.
Idi Amin continued to work closely with the Palestine Liberation Organization, whose office he housed in the premises of the former Israeli embassy in Kampala. 27 June 1976 of the year in Athens was hijacked by a French airline, Air France. The militants of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the German left-wing radical organization “Revolutionary cells” that took him were taken hostage by passengers, among whom were many citizens of Israel. Idi Amin gave permission to land a hijacked plane at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The PFLP fighters set the condition - to release the 53 Palestinian fighter from the prisons of Israel, Kenya and Germany. Otherwise, they threatened to shoot all the passengers on the plane. The ultimatum expired on July 4 1976, but on July 3 1976 was a brilliant Israeli special forces operation at Entebbe airport. All hostages have been released. Seven militants who captured the plane, and twenty soldiers of the Ugandan army who tried to prevent the operation, were killed. At the same time, all Ugandan military aircraft were blown up at Entebbe airport. Israeli special forces lost just two soldiers, among whom was Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, who commanded the operation, the elder brother of the future Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But Israeli special forces forgot to release 73-year-old Dora Bloch, who was taken to Kampala hospital because of deteriorating state of health. Idi Amin, who went berserk after an impressive “raid in Entebbe”, ordered her to be shot (according to another version, he personally strangled an elderly Israeli woman).
But the biggest mistake Idi Amin Dada was the beginning of the war with neighboring Tanzania - a much larger country in terms of area and population. In addition, Tanzania was friendly to the Soviet Union-friendly African countries, and its leader Julius Nyerere adhered to the concept of African socialism. After the outbreak of war with Tanzania, Uganda lost its support from the countries of the socialist camp, and relations with Western countries were ruined even earlier. Go Amini could only rely on the help of Arab countries, first of all - Libya. However, the Ugandan army invaded Kager Province in northern Tanzania. It was a fatal mistake. Tanzanian troops, to the aid of which the armed forces of the Ugandan opposition came, drove Idi Amin’s army from the country and invaded Uganda itself. 11 April 1979, Idi Amin Dada hastily left Kampala. He traveled to Libya, and in December 1979 moved to Saudi Arabia. The former dictator settled in Jeddah, where he lived happily for almost a quarter of a century. 16 August 2003, at the age of 75 years, Idi Amin died and was buried in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The life path of the bloody dictator, called the "Black Hitler", ended very well: Idi Amin died in his bed, living to an old age, unlike many victims of his regime.
Like many African dictators, the exact date and place of birth of a man named Idi Amin Ume Dada is unknown. Therefore, it is assumed that he was born 17 May 1928, most likely in Koboko or Kampala. Idi Amin's father Andre Nyabire (1889-1976) was descended from the Kakwa nationality and first professed Catholicism, but then converted to Islam. Mother, Assa Aatte (1904-1970) belonged to the people of the Lugbar and worked as a nurse, although in fact she was a tribal healer and sorceress. When 39-year-old Andre Nyabire and 24-year-old Assa Aate got a baby - a hero who already weighed five kilograms in the first week, none of his relatives knew that after more than four decades he would become the sole ruler of Uganda. The boy was named Idi Avo-Ongo Angu Amin. He grew up strong and tall guy. In his mature years, Go had a height of 192, see and weighed more than 110 a kilogram. But if the physical nature of the young Ugandan is not cheated, then with the formation of a guy was worse. He until the end of 1950's. remained illiterate, could not read and write. But it differed enormous physical strength. It was the physical data that played the main role in the further fate of Idi Amin. In 1946, Idi Amin was 18 years old. Replacing a number of classes, like the seller of sweet cookies, a strong guy decided to enlist in the service in the colonial troops and was accepted as an assistant chef in the rifle division. In 1947, he was recruited into the 21 Division of the Royal African Riflemen, which was redeployed to Somalia in 1949 to fight local insurgents. When the beginning of 1950's In neighboring Kenya, the famous Mau Mau rebellion began, units of British troops from neighboring colonies were transferred there. Turned out to Kenya and Idi Amin. It was during his military service that the nickname “Dada” - “Sister” got stuck to him. In fact, the nickname in the Ugandan division, which was inconsistent for the Russian soldier, was almost commendable - Idi Amin often changed his mistresses, whom he brought to his tent. Commanders, he represented them as his sisters. Therefore, colleagues and nicknamed the loving soldier "Sister."
While serving in the colonial troops, Idi Amin was remembered by commanders and fellow soldiers with incredible courage and cruelty against the rebels, against whom the Royal African Riflemen fought. In addition, Idi Amin did not let down his physical data. Nine years old - from 1951 to 1960 - he remained Uganda's heavyweight boxing champion. Thanks to these qualities, the military career of a completely illiterate soldier developed successfully. Already in 1948, one year after the start of the service, Idi Amin was given the rank of corporal, in 1952, the sergeant, and in 1953, the effendi. For the royal African shooter to rise to the rank of "efendi" - a warrant officer (an approximate analogue of ensign) was the ultimate dream. The officers in the colonial troops were only Europeans, so we can safely say that Idi Amin had already achieved the greatest possible career for an African in the British army by the 25 years. For eight years he served as an “efendi” in the battalion of the Royal African Riflemen, and in 1961 he became one of two Ugandan non-commissioned officers who received lieutenant shoulder straps.
October 9 1962 Uganda gained independence from the UK. Eduard Mutesa II of the Buganda tribe was proclaimed president of the kabak (king), Milton Obote, the Lango politician, was elected Prime Minister. The proclamation of state sovereignty meant the need to create their own armed forces of the country. It was decided to build them on the basis of the units of the former Royal African Riflemen stationed in Uganda. The commanders of the "Ugandans" shooters joined the newly formed armed forces of the country. Go Aminu was given the rank of captain, and in the next 1963 - the major of the Ugandan army. Since yesterday’s lieutenant of the colonial forces was one of several Ugandan officers, after independence, he immediately found himself at the very top of the military hierarchy of sovereign Uganda. Idi Amin became close friends with Milton Obote and was appointed deputy army commander. Meanwhile, between Mutesa II, who held the presidency of the country, and Prime Minister Obote there were growing contradictions.
In the end, Milton Obote, relying on the support of the military led by Idi Amin, in March 1966 overthrew Mutesu II and 15 in April 1966 declared himself president of the country. Idi Amin Dada was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ugandan Armed Forces, and in 1968 he was promoted to the rank of Major General. Having gained almost unlimited control over the army, Idi Amin began to strengthen his influence in the armed forces. First of all, he overrun the Ugandan army with his tribesmen Kakwa and Lugbar, as well as Nubians, who migrated from the Sudan during the colonial era. Having adopted Islam in the 16 years of age, Idi Amin always preferred Muslims who prevailed among the representatives of these peoples. Naturally, President Milton Obote saw in such a policy of Idi Amin a serious threat to his power. Therefore, in October, 1970 of Obote assumed the functions of commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the country, and Idi Amin again became deputy commander-in-chief. At the same time, the secret services began the development of Idi Amin as a well-known corrupt official. The general could be arrested from day to day, so when at the end of January 1971, President Milton Obote was in Singapore at the Commonwealth Summit, Idi Amin made a military coup of 25 in January 1971. 2 in February, Major General Idi Amin declared himself the new president of Uganda and regained the powers of the commander in chief of the armed forces.
Something, and tricks illiterate African arrow was not to occupy. In order to win the favor of the world community, Idi Amin promised that he would soon transfer power to a civilian government, freed political prisoners, that is, with all his strength he pretended to be a supporter of democracy. The new head of state tried to enlist the patronage of Britain and Israel. He arrived in Israel with the aim of receiving financial assistance, but did not meet with the support of the country's leadership. Offended by Israel, Idi Amin broke Uganda’s diplomatic relations with that country and reoriented towards Libya. Muammar Gaddafi, who himself came to power not so long ago, supported many anti-Western and anti-Israeli regimes and national movements. Idi Amin was no exception. As an ally of Libya, he could also count on assistance from the Soviet Union, which he soon took advantage of. The USSR provided military assistance to Uganda, which consisted primarily in the supply of weapons. Quickly forgetting about democracy, Idi Amin turned into a real dictator. His title sounded like this: “His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Al-Hadji Dr. Idi Amin, Lord of all animals on land and fish in the sea, Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in general and in Uganda in particular, holder of the Orders of the Victoria Cross, Military cross "and the Order" For Military Merit "."
Strengthening his power, Idi Amin began a policy of brutal repression. Representatives of the military elite, who did not agree with the policies of Idi Amin, were the first to be hit. General Suleiman Hussein, who held the post of chief of staff of the armed forces, was beheaded, and Idi Amin kept his head as a trophy in his refrigerator. By May 1971, that is, in the first five months of being in power, 10 000 Ugandans were killed as a result of repression - senior officers, officials, politicians. Most of the repressed belonged to the Acholi and Lango tribes, which were especially hated by Idi Aminu. The bodies of those killed were dumped in the Nile - eaten by crocodiles. 4 August 1972, Idi Amin launched a campaign against "petty-bourgeois Asians", as he called numerous Indian immigrants who lived in Uganda and were active in business. All Indians, and there were 55 000 people in the country, were ordered to leave Uganda within 90 days. Due to the expropriation of business and property of people from India, the Ugandan leader planned to improve their own well-being and “thank” for the support of their fellow tribesmen - officers and noncommissioned officers of the Ugandan army.
Ugandan Christians became the next target of repression by Idi Amin’s regime. Although Muslims at that time in Uganda, there were only 10% of the country's population, the Christian majority was discriminated against. The archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi Yanani Louvum, trying to protect his flock, appealed to Idi Amin with a petition. In response, the President of Uganda, during a personal meeting with the Archbishop, which occurred at the Nil Hotel in February 1977, personally shot a high-ranking cleric with his own hands. Repressions against the most educated sections of the population, corruption, and property theft turned Uganda into one of the poorest countries in Africa. The only item of expenses for which Idi Amin did not spare money was the maintenance of the Ugandan army.
Idi Amin positively assessed the personality of Adolf Hitler and was even going to erect a monument to the Fuhrer of the Third Reich in Kampala. But ultimately, the Ugandan dictator refused this idea - he was pressured by the Soviet leadership, who feared discrediting the USSR by such actions of Idi Amin, who continued to receive Soviet military aid. Already after the overthrow of Idi Amin, it became clear that he not only brutally destroyed his political opponents, but did not disdain to eat them. That is, along with the Central African dictator Bokassa, Idi Amin entered modern history and as a ruler is a cannibal.
Idi Amin continued to work closely with the Palestine Liberation Organization, whose office he housed in the premises of the former Israeli embassy in Kampala. 27 June 1976 of the year in Athens was hijacked by a French airline, Air France. The militants of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the German left-wing radical organization “Revolutionary cells” that took him were taken hostage by passengers, among whom were many citizens of Israel. Idi Amin gave permission to land a hijacked plane at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The PFLP fighters set the condition - to release the 53 Palestinian fighter from the prisons of Israel, Kenya and Germany. Otherwise, they threatened to shoot all the passengers on the plane. The ultimatum expired on July 4 1976, but on July 3 1976 was a brilliant Israeli special forces operation at Entebbe airport. All hostages have been released. Seven militants who captured the plane, and twenty soldiers of the Ugandan army who tried to prevent the operation, were killed. At the same time, all Ugandan military aircraft were blown up at Entebbe airport. Israeli special forces lost just two soldiers, among whom was Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, who commanded the operation, the elder brother of the future Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But Israeli special forces forgot to release 73-year-old Dora Bloch, who was taken to Kampala hospital because of deteriorating state of health. Idi Amin, who went berserk after an impressive “raid in Entebbe”, ordered her to be shot (according to another version, he personally strangled an elderly Israeli woman).
But the biggest mistake Idi Amin Dada was the beginning of the war with neighboring Tanzania - a much larger country in terms of area and population. In addition, Tanzania was friendly to the Soviet Union-friendly African countries, and its leader Julius Nyerere adhered to the concept of African socialism. After the outbreak of war with Tanzania, Uganda lost its support from the countries of the socialist camp, and relations with Western countries were ruined even earlier. Go Amini could only rely on the help of Arab countries, first of all - Libya. However, the Ugandan army invaded Kager Province in northern Tanzania. It was a fatal mistake. Tanzanian troops, to the aid of which the armed forces of the Ugandan opposition came, drove Idi Amin’s army from the country and invaded Uganda itself. 11 April 1979, Idi Amin Dada hastily left Kampala. He traveled to Libya, and in December 1979 moved to Saudi Arabia. The former dictator settled in Jeddah, where he lived happily for almost a quarter of a century. 16 August 2003, at the age of 75 years, Idi Amin died and was buried in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The life path of the bloody dictator, called the "Black Hitler", ended very well: Idi Amin died in his bed, living to an old age, unlike many victims of his regime.
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