Jean-Bédel Bokassa (; 22 February 1921 – 3 November 1996, also known as Bokassa I of Central Africa and Salah Eddine Ahmed Bokassa), a military officer, was the head of state of the Central African Republic and its successor state, the Central African Empire, from his coup d'état on 1 January 1966 until 20 September 1979. Of this period, he served almost eleven years (1 January 1966–4 December 1976) as president (president for life in 1972–1976), and for almost three years he reigned as emperor (4 December 1976—20 September 1979). Although Bokassa was formally crowned in December 1977, his imperial title did not achieve worldwide diplomatic recognition.
After his overthrow in 1979, Central Africa reverted to its former name and status as the Central African Republic, and the former Bokassa I went into exile. He returned to Central Africa in 1986, was put on trial for treason and murder and convicted of these offenses in 1987, and was imprisoned from 1987 until 1993. After his release, Bokassa lived a private life in his former capital, Bangui, until his death in November 1996.
Read more about Jean-Bédel Bokassa: Early Life, Army, Tensions Rise Between Dacko and Bokassa, Coup D'état, Early Years of Regime, Rule During The 1970s, Trial and Death, Legacy, Titles, Styles, Honours and Arms