Ngouabi, Marien (1938–1977)

Congolese army officer and president of the Republic of the Congo 1970–77. He overthrew President Alphonse Massamba-Débat in 1968 and became head of state, taking the title of president in 1970. He proclaimed a Marxist state, maintaining links with France. He was assassinated.

Ngouabi was born in Ombele, near Fort-Rousset. He began his military career in the French army, becoming a captain in 1964. In 1965 he commanded a parachute battalion. In 1968 he became commander-in-chief of the National Popular Army and president of the Directory of the National Council of the Revolution. In 1969 he became president of the Political Bureau of the Congolese Workers' Party.