Manuel Antonio Noriega was born on February 10, 1934, in Panama. He was raised in a poor neighborhood and faced many challenges growing up. Despite his humble beginnings, Noriega showed early signs of intelligence and ambition. He attended Chorrillos Military School in Peru on a scholarship, where he excelled in his studies and military training.
After completing his education, Noriega joined the Panamanian Defense Forces and quickly rose through the ranks. By the late 1960s, he had become a lieutenant colonel in Omar Torrijo's army. Noriega's strategic thinking and ruthlessness caught the attention of those in power, and he soon became a key player in the political landscape of Panama.
In 1983, Noriega seized power in a military coup and declared himself the leader of Panama. He ruled with an iron fist, using intimidation and violence to maintain control over the country. Despite his efforts to suppress opposition, Noriega's regime was characterized by corruption and human rights abuses.
Noriega's reign came to an end in 1989 when he was removed from power by the United States. He was charged with drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering, leading to his arrest and extradition to the U.S. Noriega spent nearly 30 years in American prisons, serving time for his crimes.
Outside of his political career, Noriega had a family. He was married to Felicidad Sieiro de Noriega and had three children - Thays, Lorena, and Sandra. Despite his public persona as a ruthless dictator, Noriega was known to be a devoted family man and cared deeply for his loved ones.
Manuel Noriega's legacy is a complex one. While he will forever be remembered as a dictator who committed heinous crimes, his impact on Panama and its history cannot be ignored. His rule marked a dark chapter in the country's past, but it also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and corruption.