Paul-Émile de Souza

Paul-Émile de Souza (July 14, 1930 – June 17, 1999) was a Beninese army officer and political figure. He was chairman of the Directory of Dahomey from December 13, 1969, to May 7, 1970.

Birth and family Paul-Emile de Souza was born into the aristocratic De Souza family on July 14, 1930. His birthplace was Athiémè, Dahomey. His wife was Françoise De Souza.

Military career In 1966, de Souza was selected as vice president of the Comité de Rénovation Nationale, as well as being one of the three officers on the Comité. It had very few functions other than to advise Christophe Soglo and was abolished on April 6, 1967. When Soglo was overthrown later that year, de Souza was chosen as Emile Derlin Zinsou's Director of Military Affairs. For the most part de Souza tried to stay out of politics if he could and led the parachutist unit at Ouidah.

Chairmanship On December 10, 1969, Émile Derlin Zinsou was overthrown by Maurice Kouandété, though the military did not recognize the latter. de Souza was briefly put under house arrest in the aftermath. Kouandete a member, and Col. Benoit Sinzogan of the Gendarmie occupying the third seat. An election was held on March 28, 1970, to determine the true president. It was marked by a series of violent outbursts; unvalidated reports state that six people were killed were wounded at incidents in Parakou on the eve of the elections. Former presidents Hubert Maga, Sourou-Migan Apithy, and Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin received a majority of the vote in the north, southeast, and southwest/central, respectively.

Later life Colonel Paul-Émile De Souza returned to his role as Chief of Staff of the Dahomeyan Army. Kouandété received the death penalty for his role in the attack. His widow, former First Lady of Dahomey Françoise De Souza, died on July 30, 2015.