 |
| 1977 Old Rare Pictures of Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa |
Bokassa declared himself Emperor of the Central African Empire on December 4, 1976.
His coronation ceremony on December 4, 1977, cost an estimated $22 million, which was a significant portion of the country's budget.
Bokassa's golden throne, which he sat on during his coronation, was extravagant and considered tasteless by many.
He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and love for luxury, which included expensive cars, lavish parties, and ostentatious displays of wealth.
Bokassa's coronation was attended by several foreign dignitaries, including French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
Bokassa modeled himself after French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and even wore a replica of Napoleon's coronation robe during his own ceremony.
Bokassa had a history of human rights abuses, including allegations of torture, arbitrary arrests, and executions.
He was known for his authoritarian rule and suppression of political opposition, leading to widespread fear and oppression in the Central African Republic.
Bokassa's reign was marked by corruption and embezzlement, which further drained the country's resources.
Bokassa was known to be eccentric, often engaging in bizarre behavior such as drinking blood from a freshly slaughtered animal during a public event.
He had an extravagant lifestyle, including owning multiple palaces, luxury cars, and a large collection of exotic animals.
Bokassa proclaimed himself the "Father of the Nation" and required people to address him with titles such as "His Majesty" or "Emperor."
He abolished the country's constitution and ruled by decree, consolidating power in his hands.
Bokassa's regime was criticized for its human rights abuses and extravagant spending, which led to widespread discontent among the population.
In 1979, Bokassa's rule came to an end when he was overthrown in a coup led by his cousin, David Dacko, with support from France.
Bokassa was later convicted of murder and other crimes, including cannibalism, and sentenced to death, though his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
He spent several years in exile in France before returning to the Central African Republic in 1986.
Bokassa was granted amnesty in 1993 and died in 1996 without facing further punishment for his crimes.
His legacy is controversial, with some viewing him as a tyrant who exploited his country for personal gain, while others see him as a charismatic leader who tried to modernize the Central African Republic but ultimately failed.
0 Comments