As the sometimes turbulent, sometimes complicated year comes to an end, we reflect on significant events that have shaken the earth to its very foundation and moved nations to tears.

From the horrendous impacts of the two Paris attacks to the old power tussle between the United States and Russia as well as the continued global menace of terrorism- 2015, like every other year, has been filled with ups and downs.

As we approach 2016, YNaija has compiled a list of events that impacted the world more than anything else.

January 7 – Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris

Two brothers, Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, forced their way into the offices of French satirical weekly newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris. Armed with assault rifles and other weapons, they killed 11 people and injured 11 others in the building.

After leaving, they killed a French National Police officer outside the building.

Islamist terrorist group Al-Qaeda’s branch in Yemen, took responsibility for the attack, citing the newspaper’s penchant for publishing anti-Islamic jibes as justification.

 

April – Garissa College shooting

Kenya witnessed what’s perhaps, its worst tragedy of the year, as terrorists carried out a mass shooting at the Garissa University College.

The militant terrorist group, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, in which 148 students were killed.

Earthquake in China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh

An earthquake of 7.9 magnitude hit four countries- Nepal, India, China and Bangladesh.

Nepal was the most affected by the earthquake, which killed over 8,857 in the country alone.

 

Nepal Earthquake

A second earthquake hit Nepal, a month after the previous one took place in the country.

The impact of the tremors was felt 1,000 kilometres away in the Indian capital New Delhi, where buildings shook and office workers evacuated. The death toll was above 150 with Nepal taking the bulk of it.

Sepp Blatter’s resignation

Following the FIFA fraud scandal, President Sepp Blatter announced his intention to resign while he was being investigated by the FBI and other international agencies over corruption allegations.

Blatter shocked the world by stepping down from the top of global football after almost 17 years.

 

Gay marriage legalisation

It was a colour-filled day in June as gay marriage was declared legal across the United States.

With a 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, Justices of the Supreme Court of the USA, determined that the right to marriage equality is protected under constitution.

The decision was widely hailed as a ‘victory of love’.

Mecca Hajj stampede

The world grieved as several Muslim faithfuls lost their lives in the Mecca Hajj stampede.

During the annual ‘stoning the devil’ ritual, a stampede ensued, which killed thousands of people of different nationalities.

 

Sinai plane crash

A Russian plane- Flight KGL9268- an Airbus A321 airliner, crashed near Al-Hasana in Sinai while en route Saint Petersburg from Sharm el-Sheikh.

All 217 passengers and 7 crew members on board were killed in the plane crash.

 

Paris bombing

Gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously and left 130 people dead and hundreds wounded.

The attack was perpetrated by Islamic State (IS) militant group.