Is Étienne Gnassingbé Eyadéma A-List?
No — Étienne Gnassingbé Eyadéma is currently ranked D tier — a minor public figure with limited fame outside a small audience.
Reached A-list in 1972
Establishes One-Party State
Lost A-list status in 2000
Dropped to B tier — Continued Authoritarian Rule
Ranking Timeline
Takes Power in Coup
Gnassingbé Eyadéma seizes power in Togo through a military coup. This marks the beginning of his long and authoritarian rule.
Establishes One-Party State
He establishes a one-party state in Togo. This consolidates his power and suppresses political opposition.
Growing International Pressure
Eyadéma faces increasing international pressure for democratic reforms. Despite this, he maintains his grip on power through authoritarian means.
Controversial Elections
He wins a series of controversial elections that are widely criticized for irregularities. These elections reinforce his rule despite domestic and international condemnation.
Continued Authoritarian Rule
Eyadéma continues to rule Togo with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and maintaining his grip on power through various means.
Death in Office
Gnassingbé Eyadéma dies in office after 38 years of rule. His death leads to a controversial succession by his son, Faure Gnassingbé.
Authoritarian Legacy
Gnassingbé Eyadéma is remembered as an authoritarian leader. His legacy is marked by human rights abuses and a lack of democratic progress in Togo.
Last updated: February 25, 2026