1979 Ngaragba Prison massacre
On 19 April 1979, approximately 100 students were massacred in Ngaragba Prison, in Bangui, Central African Empire, following student protests against self-proclaimed Emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa. This event became known amongst the Central African public as the Bangui Children's Massacre.
Background
Described as one of Africa's most brutal dictators, Bokassa came to power in a military coup in 1966 and ruled as an authoritarian leader. Under Bokassa, many political opponents were tortured and killed.New uniforms
In January 1979, Bokassa tried to force all students in the Central African Republic, from elementary school to university students, to wear uniforms made by a company owned by one of his wives. In response to this, students began protesting against Bokassa and by April 1979, the students and police "were practically in state of war". Many students were shot dead by the police during these protests.Mass arrests of students
In mid-April 1979, a group of plainclothes police officers attempted to infiltrate a students' meeting. Upon discovering the police officers, the students stripped them naked and pushed them into the street. It has been suggested that this incident triggered the mass arrests of students who were suspected of participating in the protests.On 19 April 1979, at least 100 students were arrested and taken to Ngaragba Prison. In prison, the students were beaten by the guards and forced into overcrowded cells.