On this day — January 15 in African history

Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded at Howard University, becoming the first Greek-letter organization established by African American college women.

Photo by Eliot Elisofon — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Nigeria's First Republic was overthrown in a military coup, and Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was assassinated along with several regional leaders.

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Biafran leader Philip Effiong formally surrendered to Nigerian General Yakubu Gowon at a ceremony in Lagos, ending the Nigerian Civil War after 32 months of fighting.

US Navy photo — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Muammar Gaddafi was proclaimed premier of Libya, cementing his authority a year after leading the coup that toppled King Idris.

The Alvor Agreement was signed, granting Angola independence from Portugal and setting the stage for the Angolan Civil War among rival independence movements.

Ingoman (James Dahl) — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Al-Shabaab militants overran a Kenyan military base at El Adde in Somalia, inflicting the Kenya Defence Forces' worst-ever single defeat with an estimated 150 soldiers killed.

Moshoeshoe II, King of Lesotho, died in a car accident at age 57.