Francisco Macías Nguema was the first President of Equatorial Guinea, serving from 1968 until he was overthrown in 1979. He came to power after the country gained independence from Spain and initially promoted national unity and development. However, his regime quickly became known for its authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Under Macías Nguema's rule, thousands of people were executed or imprisoned, and he established a cult of personality. His government was marked by economic decline and widespread fear. He was eventually ousted by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has since remained in power.