Real Dictators Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages
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Dec 31, 2025 The surreal coronation of Bokassa featured Belgian white horses and extravagant pageantry, drawing international criticism. As the economy crumbled, a controversial school uniform policy sparked public outrage and violent protests. The struggle culminated in the Nguragba Massacre, leading to calls for justice amid dark rumors. Bokassa's eventual downfall came with French intervention and exile, only for him to face trial years later. The podcast explores the complexities of Bokassa's legacy, from ambition to tyranny.
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Coronation's Opulence Versus Poverty
- Bokassa staged a lavish coronation in 1977 with imported horses, a golden throne, and European finery.
- The spectacle cost roughly $25 million while most citizens survived on under $1 a day.
Pageantry Masks Institution Weakness
- The coronation revealed the limits of nation-building without institutions, relying on symbols instead.
- Richard Moncrieff argues monarchic spectacle became a substitute for material state-building.
Uniform Rule Linked To Personal Profit
- Bokassa imposed a compulsory school uniform produced by his wife's company and sold in his shops.
- The policy directly profited him and sparked widespread resentment.
