Ibrahim Babangida vs Maher al-Assad

Ibrahim Babangida led a palace coup that overthrew Muhammadu Buhari. Babangida became the military president, promising to restore democracy and address economic issues.

Babangida implemented a Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) under the guidance of the IMF and World Bank. The program included currency devaluation and privatization, leading to economic hardship and social unrest.

Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola. The annulment triggered a political crisis, protests, and the eventual end of Babangida's regime.

Under intense pressure, Babangida resigned as military president and handed over power to an interim national government led by Ernest Shonekan. This move was intended to defuse the crisis but failed to restore stability.

Maher al-Assad was appointed commander of the Syrian Republican Guard, an elite military unit responsible for protecting the regime, shortly after his brother Bashar became president in 2000. He also commanded the 4th Armored Division. His positions gave him significant influence over the military and security apparatus.

Maher al-Assad commanded military operations against protesters and armed opposition groups during the Syrian Civil War. His units were involved in brutal crackdowns, including the siege of Daraa and other cities. He was sanctioned by the US and EU for human rights abuses and was a key figure in the regime's war effort.

In 2018, rumors circulated that Maher al-Assad had been killed or seriously injured in an attack, possibly by a drone strike or assassination attempt. However, these reports were never confirmed, and he later appeared in public. The incident highlighted the ongoing threats to regime figures during the civil war.