The first President of Equatorial Guinea, known for his brutal and corrupt regime, which led to the deaths of thousands of people and the country's economic collapse. He's infamous for his human rights abuses and eccentric behavior.
Francisco Macas Nguema, often referred to as Macas Nguema or simply Macas, is infamous for being one of the most brutal dictators in history, ruling Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist from 1968 to 1979. His regime was marked by severe human rights abuses, economic mismanagement, and a cult of personality that led to the country being nicknamed the "Dachau of Africa."
Born on January 1, 1924, as Mezm Ngueme in Nzangayong, Spanish Guinea, Macas Nguema came from a Fang people background. His parents had been expelled from what is now Woleu-Ntem Province, Gabon, by the Spanish Colonial Guard. Under Spanish colonial rule, Macas Nguema held numerous official positions, which laid the foundation for his future political career.
After Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968, Macas Nguema was elected as the country's first president. He quickly consolidated power by establishing a one-party state ruled by his United National Workers Party (PUNT) and declaring himself president for life in 1972. A referendum the following year ratified his lifetime presidency, cementing his grip on power.
Macas Nguema's regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, with an estimated 20,000 to 80,000 people killed out of a population of roughly 200,000 to 300,000. Tens of thousands more fled the country to escape persecution, leading to a significant brain drain as intellectuals and educated classes were targeted. The country's economy suffered greatly under his rule, with mismanagement and corruption rampant.
In 1979, Macas Nguema was overthrown in a coup d'état by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He was subsequently tried and executed, bringing an end to his brutal regime.
Macas Nguema's regime was compared to that of Pol Pot, owing to the violent, unpredictable, and anti-intellectual nature of his government. His rule had a devastating impact on Equatorial Guinea, earning it the nickname "Dachau of Africa." Today, he is remembered as one of the most brutal dictators in history.
One of Macas Nguema's most infamous quotes is, "I do not want to hear about improvements in agriculture, or about new industries, or about more schools. I want to hear about the rebels who have been killed." This quote illustrates his brutal approach to governance and his prioritization of maintaining power over the welfare of his people.
Macas Nguema's rule had a lasting impact on Equatorial Guinea, with the country still recovering from the effects of his brutal regime. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of protecting human rights and promoting economic development.
Macas Nguema's regime serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting democracy, human rights, and economic development in Africa and around the world. His story also highlights the need for accountability and the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past.
83 Years Old
African strongman who ruled Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist for over 40 years, accused of human rights abuses and corruption.
89 Years Old
The President of Gabon from 1967 to 2009, who ruled with an iron fist, suppressing opposition and amassing vast wealth, while maintaining close ties with French leaders. He's infamous for his corrupt and authoritarian regime.
92 Years Old
The second President of Cameroon, ruling since 1982, known for maintaining power through a combination of repression and strategic governance, while also overseeing significant economic growth and development.
95 Years Old
A ruthless dictator who ruled Zaire with an iron fist, notorious for embezzling millions and plunging his country into economic chaos.
Born in 1922
First President of Guinea, led country to independence from France in 1958, and implemented socialist policies. Known for his Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial stance.
