You know, this is one those situations where we make others laugh out some other's misery. We shield ourselves behind arguments like "they played themselves into it", etc.
But I'm the one be laughed at. Me and any one seeing any humour in seeing another human being suffer because nobody took heed of what was to come.
I sincerely hope you get rid of that dictator as soon as possible and in the most spectacular show of force you can devise. And don't be afraid to call for help.
I have a small plot of land and got a few chickens to help clear the weeds. The creatures were lovely and at some point they just started to leave their eggs around. Ko rooster, no potential chicks.
Then a stupid neighbour took the opportunity to let their hunting dogs into the chicken coop. Killed every single animal.
Wasn't expecting that.