Jean-Bédel Bokassa

2nd president (1966–76) and emperor (r. 1976–79) of the Central African Republic

Jean-Bédel Bokassa ([ʒɑ̃ bedɛl bɔkasa]; 22 February 1921 – 3 November 1996), also known as Bokassa I, was a Central African political and military leader. He was the second president of the Central African Republic and as the emperor of the Central African Empire, from his Saint-Sylvestre coup d'état on 1 January 1966 until overthrown in a coup in 1979.[1]

Jean-Bédel Bokassa
Bokassa in 1970
Emperor of Central Africa
Reign
4 December 1976 – 21 September 1979 (1976-12-04 – 1979-09-21)
Proclamation4 December 1976
Coronation4 December 1977
Overthrow21 September 1979
Preceded byHimself (as president)
Succeeded byDavid Dacko (as president)
2nd President of the Central African Republic
In office
1 January 1966 – 4 December 1976 (1966-01-01 – 1976-12-04)
Coup d'état31 December 1965
Preceded byDavid Dacko
Succeeded byHimself (as emperor)
Personal details
Born(1921-02-22)22 February 1921
Bobangui, Ubangi-Shari, French Equatorial Africa
Died3 November 1996(1996-11-03) (aged 75)
Bangui, Central African Republic
Political partyMovement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa
Spouse(s)
Relations
Children
HouseBokassa
Civil awardsOrder of Central African Merit
Military service
Allegiance
  •  France
  •  Central Africa
Branch
Service years1939–1966
RankColonel
Wars
Military awards

References change

  1. Orizio, Riccardo. "Dear Tyrant". Granta. Retrieved 31 October 2019.