Who Is Jean-Bédel Bokassa? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on February 22, 1921, Jean-Bédel Bokassa was a prominent figure in Central African history. Having served as the country's leader from 1966 until his ousting in 1979, Bokassa's rule was marked by both lavish extravagance and severe human rights abuses. He declared himself Emperor in 1977, hosting a grand coronation ceremony that received international scrutiny. Despite these controversies, Bokassa remains a significant historical personality, influencing the political landscape of Central Africa for years.
By 2025, Bokassa would have turned 104 years old if he were alive today, making his contributions and impact even more noteworthy in retrospect.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1921 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Bobangui, Ubangi-Shari, French Equatorial Africa (now Central African Republic) |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Central African Republic |
| Date of death | 3 November, 1996 |
| Died Place | Bangui, Central African Republic |
Popularity
Jean-Bédel Bokassa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements of Jean-Bédel Bokassa's height and weight during his lifetime can be difficult to ascertain, he was described as a tall and imposing figure. His commanding presence played a significant role in his image as a dictator and ruler, embodying power and authority during his time in office.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bokassa's personal life included multiple marriages. He had several wives, with one of the most notable being Catherine Bokassa. His relationships were often complicated, reflecting the tumultuous political environment in which he operated. Bokassa had more than a dozen children, contributing to a vast family network that reflects his powerful position in society.
In terms of romantic relationships, there is limited public information available on his relationships aside from his wives.
Mindogon was forced to organise the rosters of his village people to work for the French Forestière company.
After hearing about the efforts of a prophet named Karnu to resist French rule and forced labour, Mindogon decided that he would no longer follow French orders and released some of his fellow villagers who were being held hostage by the Forestière.
The company considered this to be a rebellious act, so they detained Mindogon and took him away bound in chains to Mbaïki. On 13 November 1927, he was beaten to death in the town square just outside the prefecture office. A week later Bokassa's mother, unable to bear the grief of losing her husband, committed suicide.
This left Bokassa an orphan at age 6.
Net Worth and Salary
Jean-Bédel Bokassa's net worth during his lifetime was difficult to assess, especially considering the political corruption and economic challenges prevalent in Central Africa. His lavish lifestyle, including the opulent coronation ceremony, showcased his wealth, which many believed was accumulated through embezzlement and mismanagement of the country's resources. Thus, while there are no clear figures on his net worth today, it is widely recognized that Bokassa significantly enriched himself at the expense of his nation.
Career, Business, and Investments
Bokassa's career began as a military officer before transitioning to political leadership. He became the first president of the Central African Republic in 1966 after a coup. His rule was characterized by authoritarian governance, significant military control, and questionable economic management.
Bokassa also attempted to diversify the country's economy, although his efforts were often met with failure. His investments in state-owned enterprises and agriculture did not yield the anticipated results, leading to economic hardships for the nation during his reign.
The Second World War broke out in September 1939 following his enlistment. While serving in the second bataillon de marche, Bokassa became a corporal in July 1940, and a sergeant major in November 1941.
After the occupation of France by Nazi Germany, he served with an African unit of the Free French Forces and took part in the capture of the Vichy government's capital at Brazzaville.
On 15 August 1944, he participated in the Allied forces' landing in Provence, France, as part of Operation Dragoon, and fought in southern France and in Germany in early 1945, before Nazi Germany collapsed. He remained in the French Army after the war, studying radio transmissions at an army camp in the French coastal town of Fréjus.
Social Network
During his time in power, Bokassa maintained a complex network of domestic and international relationships. He sought support from various nations, often aligning himself with countries that could provide economic or military assistance. His engagement with the international community was a mix of diplomacy and defiance, as he sought recognition as a formidable leader on the world stage.
Despite his controversial legacy, discussions around Bokassa continue in various political and historical circles, emphasizing his influence on Central African politics even after his death.
Dacko sent Bokassa to Paris as part of the CAR's delegation for the Bastille Day celebrations in July 1965. After attending the celebrations and a 23 July ceremony to mark the closing of a military officer training school he had attended decades earlier, Bokassa decided to return to the CAR.
However, Dacko forbade his return, and the infuriated Bokassa spent the next few months trying to obtain support from the French and Central African armed forces, who he hoped would force Dacko to reconsider his decision. Dacko eventually yielded to pressure and allowed Bokassa back in October 1965.
Bokassa claimed that Dacko finally gave up after French President Charles de Gaulle had personally told Dacko that "Bokassa must be immediately returned to his post. I cannot tolerate the mistreatment of my companion-in-arms".
Education
Jean-Bédel Bokassa received his education in various military academies, mainly in France. His military training played a crucial role in shaping his authoritarian leadership style and governance approach. While Bokassa’s formal education may not have been extensive, his military and political experiences provided him with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of ruling Central Africa.
Bokassa's extended family decided that it would be best if he received a French-language education at the École Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc, a Christian mission school in Mbaïki. As a child, he was frequently taunted by his classmates about his orphanhood. He was short in stature and physically strong.
In his studies, Bokassa became especially fond of a French grammar book by an author named Jean Bédel. His teachers noticed his attachment, and started calling him "Jean-Bédel."
