Rafael Trujillo vs Seyni Kountche

Trujillo, as commander of the National Army, staged a coup against President Horacio V

Trujillo ordered the massacre of Haitians living in the Dominican border region. Soldiers killed an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people using machetes. The event was named for the shibboleth used to distinguish Haitians from Dominicans.

Trujillo used state power to acquire control over the sugar industry, the country's main economic sector. He and his family became the largest landowners and sugar producers, enriching themselves while the state managed the industry.

Trujillo was ambushed and killed by a group of Dominican dissidents on a highway near Ciudad Trujillo. The assassination was aided by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, which provided weapons. His death ended the dictatorship.

Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountche led a military coup that overthrew President Hamani Diori. He cited corruption and the government's failure to address a devastating drought as justifications for the takeover.

Kountche implemented economic reforms focused on self-sufficiency in food production and development of Niger's uranium mining industry. These policies stabilized the economy and reduced dependence on foreign aid.

Seyni Kountche died in office from a brain tumor. His death ended 13 years of military rule. He was succeeded by his Chief of Staff, Ali Saibou, who continued his policies and oversaw a transition to civilian rule.