CATHERINE SOUGA

Catherine Souga, born on June 26, 1954, in Fort Lamy, French Chad, is a prominent Central African politician and advocate for women's rights. She moved to the Central African Republic (CAR) at 18 and pursued her studies in corporate and insurance law, first in Bangui and later at Panthéon-Assas University in France. After returning to the CAR in 1990, she began her career in the insurance sector, founding her own brokerage amidst a challenging environment marked by corruption.

Souga's involvement in civil society led her to focus on women's rights, working with the Association of Women Lawyers of Central Africa to promote government representation for women, assist victims of sexual violence, and combat female genital mutilation. Her commitment to advocating for women's issues positioned her as a significant figure in the CAR's political landscape.

In 2003, she was appointed vice president of a national reconciliation conference, leading to her role as mayor of Bangui in June 2013, following the coup led by Michel Djotodia. Her neutrality and dedication to rebuilding the city after civil war devastation earned her the nickname "the courageous mayor." Souga took office during a turbulent time, emphasizing the need for peace and stability.

Her leadership continued as she became the interim president of the CAR on January 23, 2014, making her the first woman to hold this position. Souga's presidency was marked by her efforts to restore security, promote economic development, and facilitate national reconciliation amidst ongoing violence between religious factions. She was a symbol of hope for many, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Souga's tenure as president concluded on March 30, 2016, as she could not run for election due to her interim status. After leaving office, she remained active in public life, advising the government on peace mediation and observing elections across Africa. In 2020, she announced her candidacy for the presidential election, highlighting the need for improved security and economic development in the CAR, though she ultimately did not succeed in her bid. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Samba-Panza