Manuel Noriega was a significant figure in Panamanian and international politics during the 1980s. His rule was marked by controversy, including allegations of human rights abuses and involvement in drug trafficking. His relationship with the United States was complex, as he initially worked closely with U.S. intelligence agencies before falling out of favour with them. His ousting by U.S. forces in 1989 led to his imprisonment in the United States on drug trafficking and racketeering charges. Later, he was extradited to France and then to Panama, where he faced further charges. His death in 2017 marked the end of a tumultuous chapter in Panamanian history.