Jean-Bédel Bokassa, a prominent military leader in the Central African Republic, initiated a coup d'état against President David Dacko, signaling a turning point in the nation’s politics. The military’s dissatisfaction stemmed from Dacko's inability to address economic hardship and political instability. As the situation intensified, Bokassa and his officers devised a plan to seize control, which was executed with precision on the last day of the year. The coup unfolded in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, and quickly led to Dacko's arrest. Bokassa declared himself leader, citing the need for a stable government to counter ongoing discontent. His rise marked the beginning of an era characterized by militarized governance and later transformations into a self-declared emperor position.

This coup was not merely a shift in leadership; it fundamentally changed the trajectory of the Central African Republic’s history. Bokassa's regime implemented various reforms but was also notorious for its authoritarian rule. Following the coup, the country faced further turmoil and challenges, including human rights abuses and economic decline, which sparked international concern. Despite initial support, Bokassa’s governance later faced increasing criticism, leading to further unrest, setting the stage for subsequent coups and interventions in the following decades.