Portraits of 5 African Dictators

(Baonghean.vn) - Africa is the continent with the most dictators in the world, but their lives always end tragically.

1. Former President of Liberia Charles Taylor

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who ruled from 1997 to 2003, was once dubbed "Charles the Executioner" for his involvement in bloody massacres. During his presidency, Taylor was accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his participation in the Sierra Leone civil war. In 2003, Charles Taylor was forced to resign and lived in exile in Nigeria. He was found guilty on April 26, 2012, on all 11 charges. (Photo: AP)

2. Former President of Uganda Idi Amin Dada

Idi Amin Dada was the third President of Uganda, serving from 1971 to 1979. He is considered one of the most bloodthirsty tyrants in post-colonial African history. During his rule, this dictatorial leader suppressed politics, abused human rights, and executed members of other ethnic groups. According to human rights organizations, an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 people were killed under the Amin regime. He was overthrown in 1979 and died of kidney disease in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2003. (Image: Biography)

3. Former President of Chad Hissène Habré

Hissène Habré, born in 1942, was the leader of Chad from 1982 until his overthrow in 1990. He wielded absolute power in Chad, wielding immense authority over life and death. Under his dictatorship, many were tortured and murdered. In May 2016, Hissène Habré was convicted of human rights violations, including rape, sexual slavery, and ordering the deaths of 40,000 people. He is currently serving a life sentence. (Photo: Senego)

4. Former Libyan President Muammar al-Gaddafi

Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi seized control of the Libyan government in 1969 after a bloodless coup and ruled the country as an African dictator for 42 years. During his time in power, al-Gaddafi condemned international relations with the West and severed diplomatic ties with many countries. Colonel Gaddfi transformed Libya into a haven for anti-Western extremists. He was officially overthrown in August 2011 after an uprising and died tragically while fleeing near the city of Sirte. Photo: The Telegraph.

5. President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe was the longest-serving ruler in Zimbabwe. He was once hailed by many Africans as a hero of national liberation. However, Robert Mugabe was viewed by the West as a dictator willing to use violence to consolidate and maintain power. During his time as leader, Zimbabwe was one of the poorest countries in the world, with record-high inflation reaching 500% in 2008, one of the highest AIDS rates in Africa, and one of the lowest life expectancies globally. On November 14, 2017, the Zimbabwean army seized control of the capital Harare and placed President Mugabe under house arrest. The 93-year-old leader faced the risk of resignation, ending his record-breaking 37-year reign. (Photo: CNN)

Peace

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