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September 21
5 moments across history
Westgate Shopping Mall Attack
On September 21, 2013, al-Shabaab gunmen attacked Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall, beginning a four-day siege that killed at least 67 people. The assault shocked Kenya and drew global attention because civilians were deliberately targeted at a prominent public venue. Al-Shabaab said it was retaliation for Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia, reflecting the wider regional impact of Somalia’s Islamist insurgency.
Westgate Shopping Mall Attack
Armenian Independence Referendum
Armenian Independence Referendum
Year: 1991
On September 21, 1991, Armenian voters overwhelmingly approved independence from the Soviet Union in a nationwide referendum. The vote gave democratic legitimacy to Armenia’s separation, and its parliament formally declared independence two days later. It occurred amid the Soviet Union’s collapse, as Armenia and other Soviet republics asserted sovereignty after decades of communist rule.
Belize Gains Independence
Belize Gains Independence
Year: 1981
On September 21, 1981, Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom while retaining Elizabeth II as monarch and becoming a Commonwealth realm. Independence established Belize as a sovereign state after more than a century of British colonial rule as British Honduras. The event formed part of postwar decolonization, while a longstanding Guatemalan territorial claim remained unresolved.
Malta Gains Independence
Malta Gains Independence
Year: 1964
On September 21, 1964, Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom after more than 150 years of British rule. Independence gave Malta sovereignty over its government and marked a major step in the development of its modern national identity. The event formed part of postwar decolonization; Malta remained in the Commonwealth and became a republic in 1974.
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Opens
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Opens
Year: 1949
On September 21, 1949, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened in Beiping, soon renamed Beijing, to organize the new state. It adopted the Common Program as a provisional constitution and selected the leadership and symbols of the People’s Republic of China. The conference met as the Chinese Communist Party neared victory in the Chinese Civil War, shortly before Mao Zedong proclaimed the People’s Republic on October 1.