Efrain Rios Montt

ModernGeneralGuatemala1926 — ?

Dictator convicted of genocide against Maya.

Compare Efrain Rios Montt with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1926

Country

Guatemala

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)25

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)47

Strategy (15%)30

Total Score38.0

Efrain Rios Montt — Complete Timeline

1982 AD

Scorched earth campaign against Maya communitiesWar◆ Major

Under Ríos Montt's 'Beans and Bullets' policy, the Guatemalan army conducted a scorched earth campaign in the highlands, destroying hundreds of Maya villages, killing thousands, and displacing tens of thousands. The campaign aimed to eliminate support for leftist guerrillas.

Scorched EarthCounterinsurgencyMaya Genocide

Impact: nationaldestructive

Coup d'état and assumption of powerPolitical Action◆ Major

Ríos Montt led a military coup that overthrew President Fernando Romeo Lucas García. He assumed power as head of a military junta, suspending the constitution and dissolving Congress. His rule marked the bloodiest period of Guatemala's 36-year civil war.

CoupMilitary RuleCivil War

Impact: nationaldestructive

2013 AD

Conviction for genocide against Maya IxilPolitical Action

Ríos Montt was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity for the massacre of over 1,700 Maya Ixil people during his 1982-83 rule. He was sentenced to 80 years in prison, but the conviction was later overturned on procedural grounds by the Constitutional Court.

GenocideHuman RightsMayaTrial

Impact: globaldestructive