Alvaro Arzu vs Blaise Compaore

Arzú was elected president in a runoff election, defeating Alfonso Portillo. His victory represented a shift toward center-right politics and a mandate to pursue peace negotiations with the URNG guerrillas, which he had campaigned on.

Arzú's government implemented neoliberal economic reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, trade liberalization, and fiscal austerity. These policies aimed to attract foreign investment but also increased inequality and social unrest.

Arzú signed the final peace accords with the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG), ending 36 years of civil war. The accords included provisions for human rights, indigenous rights, land reform, and demilitarization, though implementation was incomplete.

Compaoré reversed Sankara's socialist policies, privatizing state enterprises, restoring ties with the IMF and World Bank, and abandoning anti-corruption measures. He also restored traditional chiefs' privileges.

Compaoré led a military coup that resulted in the assassination of President Thomas Sankara. He then assumed the presidency, reversing many of Sankara's revolutionary policies.

Compaoré ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years, becoming one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. He maintained power through a combination of patronage, repression, and electoral manipulation.

Compaoré supported rebel groups in Liberia (Charles Taylor) and Sierra Leone (RUF), providing weapons and safe havens in exchange for diamonds. This fueled regional instability and war crimes.

Compaoré was overthrown by mass protests after attempting to amend the constitution to extend his 27-year rule. He fled to Ivory Coast, ending his authoritarian regime.