Orphaned as a six-year-old in the late 1920s, Jean-Bédel Bokassa eventually found stability and prestige in the French Army. When he finally returned home to the newly established Central African Republic, he used his military career and family connections to secure power. Government officials grew to fear him—but unfortunately for them, Bokassa struck first. 


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices