Gnassingbe Eyadema

Eyadema led a military coup that overthrew President Nicolas Grunitzky, establishing himself as head of state. He was then 32 years old, becoming one of Africa's youngest leaders at the time.

Eyadema established the Rally of the Togolese People as the sole legal party, creating a one-party state. He suppressed political opposition, controlled the media, and ruled with an iron fist for decades.

Eyadema survived an assassination attempt when his plane was attacked by a group of Togolese exiles. The attack failed, and Eyadema used it to consolidate power and crack down on opposition.

Under pressure from pro-democracy movements and international donors, Eyadema allowed multiparty elections. However, he manipulated the process to retain power, winning disputed elections in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2005.

Eyadema died of a heart attack on February 5, 2005, after 38 years in power. His death ended one of Africa's longest-serving presidencies. He was succeeded by his son, Faure Gnassingb