Samuel Doe

Samuel Kanyon Doe (May 6, 1951 – September 9, 1990) was a Liberian politician and military leader who served as the 21st president of Liberia from 1980 to 1990. He came to power as a result of a military coup that overthrew President William Tolbert, and ruled the country as a military dictator until 1985, when he was elected president in a controversial election that was widely seen as fraudulent.

Doe was born in Tuzon, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, to a Krahn family. He joined the Liberian army in 1969 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a master sergeant. In 1980, he led a group of non-commissioned officers in a military coup that overthrew President Tolbert. Doe became the head of state and chairman of the People's Redemption Council, a military junta that ruled Liberia for five years.

During his time as head of state, Doe faced numerous challenges, including a rebellion by the Gio and Mano ethnic groups, a severe economic crisis, and international pressure to democratize the country. In 1985, Doe held presidential elections, which were widely seen as fraudulent. He was declared the winner, but the results were disputed by the opposition.

Doe's presidency was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement. He was also accused of ethnic discrimination against the Gio and Mano ethnic groups. In 1989, a civil war broke out in Liberia, led by Charles Taylor, a former ally of Doe's. Doe was overthrown in 1990 by a rebel group led by Taylor, and was captured and executed by Taylor's forces.

Doe's death marked the end of a turbulent chapter in Liberian history. He was a controversial figure who was both praised and condemned for his actions. His legacy is still debated today.

Additional Information:

• Doe was the first president of Liberia who was not of Americo-Liberian descent.
• He was also the first president of Liberia to be elected by popular vote.
• Doe's presidency was marked by a number of human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture.
• He was also accused of corruption and economic mismanagement.
• Doe's death in 1990 marked the beginning of the First Liberian Civil War, which lasted until 1996.