Part 3/9:
Initially, Macías appeared to have a vision for an African-led nation, but his leadership quickly spiraled into chaos and paranoia. He suspected anyone, from government officials to common villagers, of plotting against him. This led to widespread brutality, including mass executions of political rivals, intellectuals, and even innocent civilians. The regime’s absurdities included an edict forbidding Christianity, the execution of individuals simply for wearing glasses, and the hoarding and reselling of vital resources, which precipitated severe famine and economic collapse.