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.

end of preview

To read the rest of the article you need to either log in or do one of the following:

Subscribe to Africa Confidential Find out more
Purchase this article on its own Find out more

If you have a print subscription already please click here for full access to the website.
If you have already logged in and believe you should have access to this article please contact customer services.