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Ruling under a Marxist-Leninist ideology for 19 years, Mathieu Kérékou was president of Benin from 1972 until his first resignation in 1991. During this period, he implemented various socialist policies and played a significant role in promoting Marxist thought in Africa. Despite his commitment to Marxism, the economic challenges faced by Benin during his tenure led him to adopt more liberal economic policies later in his presidency.