Christophe Soglo
Christophe Soglo was a military officer in Dahomey. In October 1963, he led a coup that ousted President Hubert Maga amid growing political unrest and economic challenges. Soglo assumed control of the country to prevent civil war and subsequently became the Chief of Staff of the Dahomeyan Army.
ZODIAC ELEMENTS
Ascendant:
Sun-Sign:
Moon-Sign:
CHRISTOPHE SOGLO
Christophe Soglo, born on June 28, 1909, in Abomey, French Dahomey, came from a notable Fon family. He joined the French Army in 1931 and served in World War II, participating in major Allied landings in Europe. By war’s end, he became a lieutenant and later a military advisor for the French Ministry of Overseas. Soglo fought in the First Indochina War, earning the Croix de Guerre in 1956, and eventually rose to major before returning to Africa in 1960 as Benin gained independence. He then became chief of staff under President Hubert Maga.
On October 28, 1963, amid rising tensions, Soglo seized power to prevent civil conflict, forming a provisional government. He briefly handed control to Sourou-Migan Apithy but, due to political strife, resumed leadership in November 1965, ruling until younger officers ousted him in December 1967. Soglo retired from politics and passed away on October 7, 1983, at age 74.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Christophe Soglo first assumed power in Dahomey (now Benin) on October 28, 1963, after leading a military coup that ousted President Hubert Maga. He ruled as an interim leader but later took control again in December 1965 after another coup. Soglo’s second period in power was brief, as he was overthrown by a military coup on December 17, 1967, leading to his departure from office and the end of his leadership.