Dacko, David

Dacko, David, (1930- ), President of the Central African Republic (1960-1966 and 1979-1981). Born in Bouchia of a peasant family, Dacko was trained as a teacher. He entered politics in 1957, serving as a deputy in the territorial assembly. He quickly rose to Cabinet rank, and in 1959, following the death of his uncle Barthélemy Boganda, leader of the nationalist movement, Dacko was named head of government. When the French granted the country full independence, Dacko became president. Beset with budgetary deficits and Cabinet corruption, Dacko was overthrown (1966) by his cousin, Jean Bédel Bokassa. With French support, Dacko, in turn, deposed Bokassa in 1979, only to be ousted again in 1981, when General André Kolingba seized power.