Valentine Strasser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valentine Strasser
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Illustration of Strasser produced by Voice of America
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| Head of State of Sierra Leone | |
| In office 1 May 1992 – 16 January 1996 |
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| Deputy | Solomon Musa Julius Maada Bio |
| Preceded by | Yahya Kanu |
| Succeeded by | Julius Maada Bio |
| Chairman of the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) | |
| In office 1 May 1992 – 16 January 1996 |
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| Prime Minister | Rekulu Biolo |
| Preceded by | Yahya Kanu |
| Succeeded by | Julius Maada Bio |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Valentine Esegragbo Melvine Strasser
26 April 1967 Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| Political party | Military Junta (National Provisional Ruling Council- NPRC) |
| Children | Valentine Strasser Jr |
| Residences | Newton, Sierra Leone |
| Alma mater | University of Warwick, Coventry, England, UK |
| Profession | Army officer |
| Religion | Anglican |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Sierra Leone Army |
| Years of service | 1985–1996 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Sierra Leone Civil War |
Valentine Esegragbo Melvine Strasser was a military officer from Sierra Leone. He became the country's head of state from 1992 to 1996. He was born on April 26, 1967.
In 1992, just three days after his 25th birthday, Strasser became the youngest head of state in the world. He took power in a military takeover. He then formed a group called the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). During his time in power, Sierra Leone was in a Sierra Leone Civil War. He hired a company called Executive Outcomes to help fight the rebels.
After almost four years, Strasser was removed from power in another military coup in 1996. This coup was led by his deputy, Julius Maada Bio. After this, Strasser lived in England for a while. He later returned to Sierra Leone.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Valentine Esegragbo Melvin Strasser was born in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, on April 26, 1967. His parents were from the Creole ethnic group. He grew up in a part of Freetown called Allen Town.
Strasser finished his high school education at the Sierra Leone Grammar School in 1985. He was 18 years old when he graduated. While in school, he was very good at math and chemistry.
Joining the Military
After graduating from high school in 1985, Strasser joined the Republic of Sierra Leone Military Forces (RSLMF). He was 18 years old at the time. He went for military training at the Benguema Military Training Academy.
After his training, he became an officer in the Sierra Leone army when he was 19. He was sent to a military base in Daru, in Eastern Sierra Leone.
Fighting in the Civil War
The Sierra Leone Civil War began on March 25, 1991. A rebel group called the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), led by Foday Sankoh, started attacking villages. Strasser and other soldiers were sent to fight against these rebels.
Strasser also fought against an invasion from Liberia. He also faced local rebels who were causing trouble. At this time, the government led by President Joseph Saidu Momoh was not very popular. People wanted a different political system.
Taking Power in 1992
While Strasser and his soldiers were fighting the RUF, they faced many problems. The government did not send enough supplies or military equipment. The soldiers also did not get their salaries on time. Their well-being was not a top concern for the government.
After many requests and warnings, the young soldiers decided to march from Kailahun to the State House in Freetown. This happened on April 29, 1992. They wanted to protest about their problems and demand their unpaid salaries.
Strasser led this group of soldiers, along with his friends Solomon Musa and Sahr Sandy. When the soldiers arrived in the capital, President Momoh fled the country and went to Guinea. With no one in charge, Strasser and his men decided to take control. They formed the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). Strasser became the leader and the Head of State of Sierra Leone. He was only 25 years old, making him the youngest head of state in the world.
Overthrown in 1996
In January 1996, after almost four years as leader, Strasser was removed from power. This time, it was his own NPRC members who were unhappy with how he was handling the peace process.
The coup was led by his deputy, Julius Maada Bio, along with Colonel Tom Nyuma and Captain Komba Mondeh. Bio quickly became the new Head of State of Sierra Leone with their support.
Life After Leadership
After he was overthrown, Strasser was given a chance to study law in England. He went to the University of Warwick but stopped his studies after 18 months.
In 2000, he tried to get asylum in England, but his request was denied. He then tried to go to the Gambia but was not allowed to enter. Eventually, he returned to Sierra Leone. He lived in Grafton, near Freetown, on a small pension. He also worked at an ICT Institute, teaching computer skills to young people.
In January 2019, Strasser became very ill and was flown to Ghana for medical treatment. Part of his left leg had to be removed due to a health condition. After getting better, he returned to Sierra Leone in July 2021. The current President Bio gave him an apartment.
See also
In Spanish: Valentine Strasser para niños
