Sylvanus Olympio

ModernPoliticianTogo1902 — 1963

First president of Togo assassinated in a coup.

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Quick Facts

Born

1902

Died

1963

Country

Togo

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)36

Political (20%)48

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score45.6

Sylvanus Olympio — Complete Timeline

1958 AD

Elected Prime Minister of TogoPolitical Action◆ Major

Sylvanus Olympio's party, the Committee of Togolese Unity, won the UN-supervised elections. He became prime minister of French Togoland, leading the territory toward independence from France.

TogoIndependenceElection

Impact: nationalconstructive

1960 AD

Became First President of TogoPolitical Action◆ Major

Togo gained independence from France on April 27, 1960, and Olympio became its first president. He pursued policies of economic austerity and reduced French influence, which created tensions with the military.

TogoIndependencePresidency

Impact: nationalconstructive

1963 AD

Assassinated in Military CoupPolitical Action

Olympio was assassinated by a group of Togolese army veterans led by Gnassingb

TogoAssassinationCoup

Impact: regionaltragic