Catherine Samba-Panza,Mayor of Bangui Elected As The Interim President of Central African Republic(CAR)

 

Catherine Samba-Panza(59),Mayor of Bangui Elected As The Interim President of Central African Republic(CAR), making her the first woman to hold the post.

Catherine Samba-Panza beat her rival Desire Kolingba in the second round of voting by the interim parliament.About 129 members of the 135-seat council took part in the secret ballot

Catherine Samba-Panza succeeds CAR's first Muslim leader Michel Djotodia, who resigned on 10 January under pressure from regional leaders and the former colonial power, France, over his failure to curb the conflict.

In her victory speech, Catherine Samba-Panza urged Christian militias, known as anti-balaka, and Muslim fighters in the ex-Seleka rebel movement to end the bloodshed.
"I call on my children, especially the anti-balaka, to put down their arms and stop all the fighting. The same goes for the ex-Seleka - they should not have fear. I don't want to hear any more talk of murders and killings,''

Note
CAR has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960

CAR has endured several coups and a notorious period under a self-declared emperor, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who headed a brutal regime. The Bokassa era ended in 1979, when he was overthrown in a coup led by David Dacko and backed by French commandos based in the country

 In 1981 David Dacko was toppled by Andre Kolingba, who eventually allowed multi-party presidential elections

In 1993 Ange-Felix Patasse beats Andre Kolingba and David Dacko in elections to become president, ending 12 years of military rule.

In 1999 Ange-Felix Patasse was re-elected

In March 2003,Rebel leader Francois Bozize seizes Bangui, declares himself president and dissolves parliament. President Ange-Felix Patasse is out of the country at the time. Within weeks a transitional government is set up.

In Dec 2004,a new constitution was approved in a referendum

In May 2005,Francois Bozize is named the winner of presidential elections after a run-off vote.

In July 2009,New electoral commission established after parliament approves new election law.

In Jan 2011 Francois Bozize wins another term

In March 2013,Seleka rebels overrun the capital and seize power. President Francois Bozize flees. Rebel leader Michel Djotodia suspends constitution and dissolves parliament in a coup condemned internationally.

In Aug 2013,Coup leader Michel Djotodia is sworn in as president

In Jan 2014,Interim president Michel Djotodia resigns over criticism that he failed to stop sectarian violence.





CAR which has a  population of 4.6 Million has Christian majority and a minority Muslim population.


CAR's first Muslim leader Michel Djotodia seized power in a rebellion inMarch 2013, leading to attacks and counter-attacks between members of the two groups