Maurice Kouandété

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Iropa Maurice Kouandété (September 22, 1932–April 7, 2003) was a military officer and politician in Benin which was known as Dahomey during the time that he was most active.

He was born in Natitingou, Dahomey. On December 20, 1967 he led a military coup and became head of state. He gave up that position the next day but was appointed prime minister and served as prime minister for 7 months, until July 17, 1968. Kouandété, who was the chief of staff of the army, led another coup on December 10, 1969 and served as head of state for three days. He then served for several months on the governing directory that was set up, which included Hubert Maga and several other important politicians. He was arrested in February 1972 after participating in a coup attempt and was sentenced to death, but was released after the directory was overthrown later that year.

He died in Natitingou.