Omar Torrijos
Panamanian dictator who ruled Panama 1968–1981 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Omar Efrain Torrijos Herrera (Feb 13, 1929 – July 31, 1981) was leader of Panama from 1968 to 1981, when he died in a plane crash. He is more commonly known as Omar Torrijos.
Quick Facts Maximum Leader, Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution ...
Maximum Leader | |
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Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution | |
In office 1972 – July 31, 1981 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Position abolished |
Military Leader of Panama | |
In office October 11, 1968 – July 31, 1981 | |
President | José María Pinilla (1968–69) Demetrio Lakas Bahas (1969–78) Aristides Royo (1978–82) |
Preceded by | Arnulfo Arias (President) |
Succeeded by | Florencio Flores Aguilar |
Personal details | |
Born | Omar Efraín Torrijos Herrera February 13, 1929 Santiago, Panama |
Died | July 31, 1981(1981-07-31) (aged 52) near Penonomé, Panama |
Political party | Democratic Revolutionary Party (1979–1981) |
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Torrijos was the Commander of the Military of Panama. Even though Panama had a President, Torrijos was the leader. He is best known for making a treaty to give Panama full control of the Panama Canal.[1]
His son Martín Torrijos was elected president and served from 2004 to 2009.