Husni al-Zaim vs Robert Guei

Husni al-Zaim led the first military coup in Syria's history on March 30, 1949, overthrowing President Shukri al-Quwatli. He seized power with support from the military and intelligence services, establishing a short-lived dictatorship.

After the coup, al-Zaim appointed himself President of Syria and Prime Minister. He implemented reforms including land redistribution and women's suffrage, but his rule was marked by authoritarian measures and suppression of political opponents.

Al-Zaim's government signed an armistice agreement with Israel in July 1949, ending the 1948 Arab-Israeli War for Syria. He also proposed a peace plan that included resettling Palestinian refugees, which was rejected by other Arab states.

Husni al-Zaim was overthrown by a counter-coup led by Colonel Sami al-Hinnawi on August 14, 1949. He was captured and executed by firing squad the same day, ending his rule after only four and a half months.

General Robert Guei led a military coup on December 24, 1999, overthrowing President Henri Konan Bedie. Guei cited corruption and political instability as reasons, becoming the first military ruler of Cote d'Ivoire since independence.

Guei organized a presidential election in October 2000. When early results showed opposition candidate Laurent Gbagbo leading, Guei attempted to annul the vote and declare himself winner. Mass protests forced him to flee, and Gbagbo assumed power.

During the 2002 Ivorian Civil War, Guei was killed on September 19, 2002, in Abidjan. His death occurred amid a failed coup attempt against President Gbagbo. The circumstances remain disputed, with some reports suggesting he was executed by government forces.