Catherline Samba-Panza, Mayor of Bangui elected CAR’s Interim President

Catherline Samba-Panza, the mayor of Bangui on 20 January 2014 was elected as the interim president of the Central African Republic (CAR). With this she became the first woman to hold the post after defeating her rival Desire Kolinba, in the second round of voting by the interim Parliament. She secured 75 votes against 53 of the rival.

She has been tasked to restore peace in the country as violence has struck the Bangui after two Muslim men were killed and burned in Bangui on 19 January 2014. She has succeeded Michel Djotodia, who on 10 January 2014 resigned from the post following the pressure of former colonial power, France and regional leaders on his failure to stop the violence.

At present, 4000 African troops and 1600 French troops are available in CAR to end the violence and more 500 European Union troops will be deployed as per the decision of the foreign Minister.