Christophe Soglo

Christophe Soglo (28 June 1909 – 7 October 1983) was a Beninese military officer and political leader and one of the most important figures in Benin's period of political instability and frequent, though usually bloodless, coups during the 1960s.

Biography

After Benin achieved independence in 1960, Soglo was given the rank of colonel in the army and became the chief of staff under President Hubert Maga. On October 28 1963 Soglo took control of the country to prevent a civil war.^[1] He established a provisional government with himself as chairman. After reorganizing the government, he gave up power in January 1964 and allowed former premier Sourou-Migan Apithy to become president. Soon Apithy and other political leaders began massive feuds over policies. After repeatedly encouraging the various political forces to agree to dialogue, Soglo again overthrew the government in November 1965 and served as President of Benin under a military government until December 1967, when a group of younger army officers overthrew him. Soglo then retired from politics.

Citations

1. ^ Matthews 1966, p. 152.

References

• Matthews, Ronald (1966), African Powder Keg: Revolt and Dissent in Six Emergent Nations, London: The Bodley Head, OCLC 246401461 .

Persondata
Name	Soglo, Christophe
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	28 June 1909
Place of birth
Date of death	7 October 1983
Place of death