Jean-Bédel Bokassa

Profession: Dictator

Nationality:

Biography: Jean-Bédel Bokassa was a Central African political leader who served as the military ruler of the Central African Republic and later declared himself Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire. His rule was characterized by widespread human rights abuses and extravagant personal excesses, earning him an infamous reputation in the annals of African dictators.

Born in Bobangui, which was then part of French Equatorial Africa, Bokassa initially joined the French colonial army and served in various locations, including Indochina. His military career with the French Army laid the groundwork for his later rise to power.

Bokassa seized control of the Central African Republic in a military coup in 1966, overthrowing his cousin, President David Dacko. Declaring himself "President for Life," he initially attempted to address corruption and improve the country's economy. His rule quickly became characterized by autocratic and erratic behavior, however, including the suppression of political opposition and the violation of human rights.

In 1976, in a move that reflected his grandiose self-image, Bokassa declared the transformation of the Central African Republic into the Central African Empire and crowned himself Emperor in a lavish ceremony in 1977, an extremely costly event which was reportedly modeled after the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Bokassa's reign was marked by his extravagant lifestyle and brutal rule, including allegations of cannibalism and the personal involvement in the killing of schoolchildren who had protested his regime. His government was accused of numerous human rights violations, including torture, arbitrary imprisonment, and enforced disappearances.

His regime was heavily dependent on support from France, which was a key source of financial and military aid. As his behavior became more erratic and the atrocities of his regime more apparent, however, such international support soon waned.

In 1979, following widespread outrage over the massacre of schoolchildren and other abuses, Bokassa was overthrown in a coup supported by French forces, and David Dacko was reinstated as president. Bokassa went into exile in France and Ivory Coast.

He returned to the Central African Republic in 1986 and was subsequently put on trial, where he was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison, and he was released in 1993.

Born: February 22, 1921
Birthplace: Bobangui, French Equatorial Guinea

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: November 3, 1996 (aged 75)
Cause of Death: Heart attack