In the late 1960s, the African state of Ubangi-Shari gained independence and a new name – the Central African Republic (CAR). Its first president was David Dacko, who advocated for African unity and liberation from the French colonialists.
In 1966, David Dacko was overthrown by Jean-Bédel Bokassa, a former French army soldier. Inspired by Napoleon, Bokassa proclaimed himself emperor. People lived in poverty under his rule, while he built lavish palaces for himself. Meanwhile, there was only one dentist in the whole country. In 1979, Bokassa issued a decree obliging all students to wear expensive school uniforms that most families couldn’t afford. This sparked a wave of protests among schoolchildren. During one of these, more than 100 people were killed, most under the age of 16. Bokassa was subsequently overthrown in a new coup, which was far from the CAR’s last.
How many coups have there been in the CAR since it became independent? Which neighbouring countries have supported the uprisings, and which have tried to stabilise the situation? What is the situation in the republic now?
