Full Name: Later changed and Africanized his name to N'Garta Tombalbaye
Profession: Dictator and 1st President of Chad
Biography: Francois Tombalbaye was the first president of Chad, serving from the country's independence in 1960 until his overthrow in 1975. A dictatorial leader, his divisive policies as president led to factional conflict and a pattern of authoritarian leadership and political instability that are still relevant in Chad today.
Tombalbaye was a native of the south of the country and started his career as a teacher during French colonial rule. He joined the Chadian Progressive Party (PPT) in 1946 and became the party's leader in 1959. Upon gaining independence in 1960, he was appointed the country's first president.
In 1962, he declared the PPT the sole legal party and presided over a corrupt dictatorship. He also attempted an Africanization program that worsened the divide between the Muslim north and the Christian and animist south.
Born: June 15, 1918
Birthplace: Bessada, Moyen-Chari, French Chad
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: April 13, 1975 (aged 56)
Cause of Death: Shot in his own palace by soldiers during the 1975 Chadian coup d'état
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