Bangui – In the nightmare of the strife-torn Central African Republic (CAR), many citizens have begun to long for the “good old days” of Jean-Bedel Bokassa, the emperor who became infamous for his brutality yet worked economic wonders in their eyes.
Some residents of the capital Bangui are openly nostalgic for the Bokassa era, which lasted from his military coup in 1966 until his overthrow in 1979, two years after a hugely extravagant coronation when the former soldier proclaimed himself emperor.
His fans point to his legacy in public works, including buildings, electricity supplies and transport, neglected by his successors in one of Africa’s poorest countries.
“Kolingba came, he built nothing. Patasse came, he built nothing. Bozize came, he built nothing. Djotodia came, he built nothing,” Daniel Nganazouri said, reeling off the names of successive presidents…
South Africa Today – Africa News
