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Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Idi Amin Dictator This Day in History

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This day in history on April 11 Idi Amin is deposed as self-appointed president of Uganda.


With the help of Ugandan exiles backed by Tanzanian forces seize control of the capital of Kampala Uganda, April 11, 1979, marked the end of Idi Amin decade long violent rule.


This Day in History Idi Amin.


Idi Amin Ugandan separatist dictator
Idi Amin dictator 

Uganda gained its independence on October 9, 1962, and Milton Obote became the nation’s first prime minister. In February 1966, following accusations that Obote and Amin were responsible for smuggling gold and ivory from Congo, Obote suspended the Ugandan constitution and announced himself, president. 

 Shortly thereafter, Obote sent Amin to overthrow King Mutesa II, who ruled the powerful kingdom of Buganda in South-Central Uganda.  Obote began to question Amin’s loyalty and ordered his arrest and in 1971, General Idi Amin, commander of the Ugandan armed forces overthrew the government of Milton Obote and declared himself president of Uganda.

Idi Amin Dada was a dictator and dangerous separatist, he launched a genocidal program to purge Uganda of its Lango, 6.3 percent of the population and Acholi, 4.4 percent of the population of Uganda ethnic groups who were loyal to Obote. In 1972, Amin ordered all Asians who were not Ugandan citizens to leave the country and roughly over 70,000 fled. 

 Then-President Idi Amin, in his drive to return Uganda to Ugandans, expelled the South Asian population that composed a large share of the country’s business people and bankers. Amin organized groups such as the State Research Bureau (SRB) and Public Safety Unity (PSU), whose main purpose was to eliminate those who opposed his regime.

In 1979, his eight years of chaotic rule ended when Tanzania and anti-Amin Ugandan forces invaded and toppled his regime. Amin had launched an unsuccessful attack on Tanzania in October 1978 in an effort to divert attention from Uganda’s internal problems. 

 Amin escaped to Libya, eventually settling in Saudi Arabia. Amin is held responsible for the murder of 300,000 Ugandans but ever was brought to justice for his atrocious crimes. Amin lived out the remainder of his life in Saudi Arabia until his death of organ failure in 2003.
Idi Amin was never brought up on war crimes because the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court established the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 1998, and it began sittings on July 1, 2002. The ICC was created to fill in the gaps when national systems fail as in the case of Idi Amin.

Located in The Hague, The Netherlands, the ICC is an independent judicial body with jurisdiction over persons charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 

The United Nations now has a wide variety of international courts and ranging from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is a principal structure of the organization; to the ad hoc criminal tribunals established by the Security Council; to the ICC and ITLOS, which were established by conventions drafted within the UN but which are now independent entities with special cooperation agreements.


The IJC’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted by States give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. Cooperation by the States is key to the court's success.

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Idi Amin this day in history

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=
The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.