Former Despot May Win National Forgiveness
A national forum urged posthumous forgiveness for Jean-Bedel Bokassa, accused of cannibalism and executing children during his 14-year rule of the Central African Republic.
The panel’s finding came after Bokassa’s 31-year-old son, Jean-Serge, apologized for his father’s deeds. The reconciliation panel said Bokassa’s image should be “rehabilitated” and confiscated property returned to his family. Many of his 62 known children live in rags on the grounds of his palace.
Bokassa’s self-coronation as emperor on a 2-ton gold throne cost $20 million. After his overthrow in 1979, his chef testified to serving his boss slices of political foes.
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