The 2021 news cycle was, just like in 2020, dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. But there were other major events around the world that hit headlines, from the US Capitol insurrection to the civil war in Ethiopia and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. FRANCE 24 takes a look back at 10 of the biggest news stories over the last 12 months.
Trump supporters storm the US Capitol
The year kicked off with a bang when hundreds of people stormed the US Capitol, the seat of American democracy, on January 6. Joe Biden had won the presidential election two months earlier but his predecessor, Donald Trump, refused to acknowledge the result, alleging that the vote had been rigged and the election “stolen”.
Soon after Trump held a rally in Washington for hundreds of his supporters, urging them to protest the election result, the crowd stormed the Capitol where members of Congress had gathered to certify Biden’s election victory. The violence that day led to four deaths. More than 700 people have so far been charged with participating in the riot.
Read on FRANCE 24: In pictures: Shocking scenes of Trump supporters storming US Capitol
Many people accused Trump of adding fuel to the fire with his stubborn refusal to admit defeat and his public support for debunked conspiracy theories about electoral fraud.
Nevertheless, Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States as scheduled on January 20. The enquiry into those behind the Capitol riot is ongoing.
The coup d’état in Myanmar
On February 1, military tanks started to fill the roads around Myanmar’s Parliament in Naypyidaw. The Myanmar army, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, arrested President Win Myint and civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Between 300 and 400 people – including elected officials, politicians opposed to the military…
Source : france24
