Unfortunately for them, this former French colony of 3.4 million attracts fewer than 4,000 visitors a year, owing to banditry and a paucity of attractions. Safaris have mostly ceased since poachers emptied the national parks of animals during the last coup in 1996. But some government officials say a series of Bokassa attractions would interest not just foreigners but residents, too. He's an important character in the development of our country. The Bokassa chapter was mostly bad.
Expats fondly recall the good roads and relative stability.
Bokassa exhibits are now outlawed. This is a sensitive subject. Largely for their own benefit, the family wants to open the palace soon. They have written to tourist bodies in Europe to request funding and are petitioning the government. But according to Constantin Ballangha, the emperor's younger brother and former head of security, who today spends his time sweeping leaves from the palace grounds, money is not the only issue.