Mathieu Kérékou

Mathieu Kérékou was a significant political figure in Benin, serving as the country's president at various times from the 1970s to the early 2000s. He is known for his role in transitioning Benin to a multi-party democracy in the 1990s and for publicly acknowledging the country's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including an apology to African Americans during a visit to the United States.