Didier Ignace Ratsiraka was a Malagasy politician and naval officer who was President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and from 1997 to 2002. He was nicknamed "Deba", which translates to the 'Big Man' in Malagasy. At the time of his death, he was the longest-serving President of Madagascar.After seizing power in a 1975 coup, Ratsiraka was reelected twice in 1982 and 1989. While he lost to Albert Zafy in 1992, Ratsiraka returned to office after winning the 1997 election. Read More
