A putschist's progress

The coup leader is making his way towards electoral legitimacy

General François Bozizé's transformation from coup leader to bringer of democracy in the 13 March elections is a textbook guide for putschists. Since seizing power two years ago, Bozizé consolidated his rule skilfully, retreating when accused of authoritarianism without giving quarter to his opponents. After a decade of instability, Central Africans, outside the troubled north-west, have had two years of relative calm and cautious economic recovery.

Article Tags:
François Bozizé, France, Gabon, Omar Bongo, A coup for democracy, Jean Willybiro-Sacko, Charles Massi, Martin Ziguélé, Abel Goumba, David Dacko, Togo, André Kolingba, Jean-Paul Ngoupandé, Auguste Boukanga, Olivier Gabirault, Henri Pouzère, Chad, Idriss Déby, Mali, Guinea

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