Mathieu Kérékou
Mathieu KérékouBenin’s people’s republic and transition
Asked in 2005 to change the constitution for a third term, he answered, "If you don't leave power, power will leave you."
Beninese leader who took power in the 1972 coup. He declared Marxism-Leninism in 1974 and established a people’s republic the following year. Amid economic crisis he accepted the 1990 National Conference’s transition and transferred power after losing to Soglo in 1991.
Career timeline
- 1961Aide-de-camp to President Hubert Maga
- 1967Chairman of the Military Revolutionary Council
- 1972Seized power in a military coup
- 1974Declared Marxism-Leninism the state ideology
- 1975Founded the People's Republic of Benin and a one-party state
- 1990National Conference held; Marxism-Leninism dropped
- 1991Lost the election to Soglo and transferred power
- 1996Returned to the presidency by election; term ended 2006