Who Is Manuel Noriega? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on February 11, 1934, Manuel Noriega was a prominent military dictator in Panama, holding power from 1983 until 1989. His reign was marked by allegations of drug trafficking, human rights violations, and significant political upheaval. Noriega's life took a dramatic turn when he was deposed by a U.S. invasion in December 1989, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. As of 2025, he would have turned 91 years old, having left a complex legacy in both Panamanian and global politics.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1934 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Panama City, Panama |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Panama |
| Date of death | 29 May, 2017 |
| Died Place | Panama City, Panama |
Popularity
Manuel Noriega's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Manuel Noriega was known for his commanding presence. He stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and had an athletic build during his years in power. Although specific details about his weight were less documented, estimates suggest he weighed around 185 lbs (84 kg).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Noriega was married to Felicidad Siegel, with whom he had three daughters. Their relationship was characterized by the pressures of public life and political turmoil. During his later years, there were occasional media speculations regarding relationships, yet no significant details emerged about romantic connections beyond his marriage.
Noriega's relationship with the U.S. deteriorated in the late 1980s after the murder of Hugo Spadafora and the forced resignation of President Nicolás Ardito Barletta. Eventually, his relationship with intelligence agencies in other countries came to light, and his involvement in drug trafficking was investigated further.
In 1988, Noriega was indicted by federal grand juries in Miami and Tampa on charges of racketeering, drug smuggling, and money laundering. The U.S. launched an invasion of Panama following failed negotiations seeking his resignation, and Noriega's annulment of the 1989 Panamanian general election.
Noriega was captured and flown to the U.S., where he was tried on the Miami indictment, convicted on most of the charges, and sentenced to 40 years in prison, ultimately serving 17 years after a reduction in his sentence for good behavior.
Noriega was extradited to France in 2010, where he was convicted and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment for money laundering. In 2011 France extradited him to Panama, where he was incarcerated for crimes committed during his rule, for which he had been tried and convicted in absentia in the 1990s.
Diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2017, Noriega suffered complications during surgery, and died two months later.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of his power, Noriega accumulated substantial wealth through alleged corruption and drug trade. His net worth, however, diminished significantly post-1990 after his conviction and imprisonment. By 2025, his assets and net worth are believed to be negligible, given his history of legal battles and the confiscation of his wealth.
Noriega preferred to remain behind the scenes, rather than become president, and to avoid the public scrutiny that came with the post. He did not have a particular social or economic ideology, and used military nationalism to unify his supporters.
The Partido Revolucionario Democrático (Democratic Revolutionary Party, PRD), which had been established by Torrijos and had strong support among military families, was used by Noriega as a political front for the PDF.
This party drew considerable support from low-income employees brought into the government bureaucracy by its expansion under Torrijos and Noriega. Noriega compelled the Panamanian National Assembly to pass Law 20 of 1983, which was supposedly aimed at protecting the Panama Canal from communists, and allowed a huge influx of U.S.
weapons to the Panamanian military. The law also tripled the size of the military forces. Noriega's period in power saw significant capital flight from Panama; according to Kempe, this was at least in part because wealthy individuals worried that their wealth would be seized by Noriega's administration.
Career, Business and Investments
Noriega's career began in the military, where he rose through the ranks due to both strategic alliances and political maneuvering. As head of the Panamanian Defense Forces, he wielded significant power and influence. His alleged dealings in drug trafficking and corrupt activities, however, contributed to his downfall. Following his arrest, Noriega's business endeavors were virtually non-existent due to his incarceration and legal issues.
Noriega intended to become a doctor, but was unable to secure a place in the University of Panama's medical school. After graduating from the Instituto Nacional, Noriega won a scholarship to Chorrillos Military School in the Peruvian capital of Lima, with the help of Luis, who had by then received a position in the Panamanian embassy in Peru.
Noriega began studying in Lima in 1958. While there, he made the acquaintance of Roberto Díaz Herrera, then studying at the Peruvian Police academy, who later became a close ally.
Social Network
Noriega's presence on social networks was virtually non-existent during his lifetime, primarily due to his controversial political career and subsequent imprisonment. However, discussions about him often resurface on social media platforms, reflecting on his impact on Panamanian history and global politics.
Díaz Herrera considered using the uproar around Spadafora to seize power during a brief period that Noriega was traveling outside the country, but despite mobilizing some troops, eventually decided against following through with the coup, realizing he could not count on sufficient support.
Furthermore, Noriega had made a deal with his deputy, to the effect that he would step down as military leader in 1987 and allow Díaz Herrera to succeed him. In 1987, however, Noriega went back on this agreement, announced he would be heading the military for the next five years, and assigned Díaz Herrera to a diplomatic post.
Díaz Herrera retaliated by making public statements accusing Noriega of rigging the 1984 election, murdering Spadafora, and of trafficking in drugs, as well as of assassinating Torrijos with a bomb on his plane.
Education
Noriega received military training in the United States, which played a crucial role in shaping his leadership style and approach to governance. His education was largely centered around military strategy and operations, influencing his later decision-making as a dictator.
Born in Panama City to a poor pardo family, Noriega studied at the Chorrillos Military School in Lima and at the School of the Americas. He became an officer in the Panamanian army, and rose through the ranks in alliance with Omar Torrijos. In 1968, Torrijos overthrew President Arnulfo Arias in a coup.
Noriega became chief of military intelligence in Torrijos's government and, after Torrijos's death in 1981, consolidated power to become Panama's de facto ruler in 1983. Beginning in the 1950s, Noriega worked with U.S. intelligence agencies, and became one of the Central Intelligence Agency's most valued intelligence sources.
He also served as a conduit for illicit weapons, military equipment, and cash destined for U.S.-backed forces throughout Latin America.
