The Death of Manuel Noriega: A Look Back at a Controversial Leader

Name: The Death of Manuel Noriega: A Look Back at a Controversial Leader
Start: 2017-05-29
Location: Unspecified

Remembering Manuel Noriega

On May 29, 2017, the world said goodbye to Manuel Noriega, the former Panamanian general and military dictator, who passed away at the age of 83. Noriega's life was marked by controversy, intrigue, and a turbulent political career that spanned several decades. His tenure as dictator from 1983 to 1989 was fraught with corruption, human rights abuses, and an alliance with the United States that turned sour, leading to his eventual downfall.

The Rise of Manuel Noriega

Noriega was born on February 11, 1934, in Panama City. After joining the military, he rose quickly through the ranks due to his intelligence work for the CIA in the 1960s. By the late 1970s, he had become the de facto leader of Panama, orchestrating a complex web of political maneuvers that allowed him to seize power following the departure of President Eric Arturo Delvalle.

The Dictatorship Era

During his rule, Noriega expanded his control over Panama, using pervasive violence and intimidation against dissenters. His government was notorious for engaging in drug trafficking, which funded his regime and stoked further corruption. The United States initially supported him as an ally until his ties to drug trafficking became too severe to ignore, leading to rising tensions between Noriega and the U.S. government.

The Events Leading to His Death

After being ousted from power by a U.S. invasion in December 1989, Noriega was captured and brought to trial for drug charges in the United States. He served 17 years in U.S. prisons before being extradited to France and then back to Panama, where he faced further legal troubles. His health began to decline in prison, leading to surgery for a brain tumor in March 2017.

After returning to Panama in late 2011, Noriega lived in relative obscurity until his death in 2017. His passing marked the end of an era in Panamanian history, reflecting on a complicated legacy that included both national pride and deep-seated controversies.

The Aftermath of His Death

Noriega's death reignited discussions about his tenure and the broader impact of foreign intervention in the region. While some remember him for his service in the military and his role as a political leader, others condemn him for the adversity and suffering his rule inflicted on the population.

Fun Fact

Interesting Facts about Manuel Noriega

Noriega was known for his eccentric personality, including his fondness for his pet cats and the lavish, often wild, parties he held while in power. He was also a survivor of a notorious assassination attempt in 1989.