Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages

About this episode

The episode explores the surreal coronation of Jean-Bédel Bokassa as emperor of the Central African Republic amidst political chaos and tragedy.

The new emperor of the Central African Republic is introduced to the world in a totally surreal manner - with white horses from Belgium, finery from France and songs from a Broadway musical. The CAR’s finances continue to tumble. A controversial policy about school uniforms leads to one of the most tragic episodes in the country’s history. And as the emperor loses control, old friends become foes, old foes return from the dead, and Bokassa’s day of judgement is at hand… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Louisa Lombard, Richard Moncrieff, Gino Vlavonou. This is Part 3 of 3. Written by John Bartlett | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Fact check by Heléna Lewis | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer, Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Real Dictators will be back in the new year with the story of Marshal Tito. Get early access and ad-free listening by joining Noiser+. Click the subscription banner or go to…

People in this episode

Host: Paul McGann

Guests: Louisa Lombard, Richard Moncrieff, Gino Vlavonou

Topics covered

• coronation
• Central African Republic
• political turmoil
• historical events
• Bokassa's reign
• tragedy

Keywords

• Bokassa
• coronation
• Central African Republic
• political history
• tragedy
• drama
• Noiser

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Central African Republic

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