Elisabeth Domitien facts for kids

Elisabeth Domitien (1925 – 26 April 2005) was an important leader in the Central African Republic. She served as the prime minister of her country from 1975 to 1976. She was the first woman to hold this high position in the Central African Republic. In fact, she was the first woman prime minister in any African nation.

Early Life and Family

Elisabeth Domitien was born in a place called Lobaye. Her family owned a farm. Her father worked for the postal service, and her mother was a farmer.

Elisabeth was the oldest child in her family and their only daughter. She went to a Catholic school where she learned basic reading and writing. She also learned cooking and sewing skills.

She spent a lot of time working on the family farm. She helped sell the farm's products. This work taught her how to handle money and run a business. She became a successful farmer and businesswoman.

Elisabeth was a strong and active person. She was well-liked by the women in her village. People saw her as a natural leader in her community. When she was about 20 years old, she joined the fight for her country's freedom.

Political Journey

Elisabeth Domitien was very good at speaking to crowds. She gave powerful speeches in the local language, Sangho. Her words helped bring different groups of people together. She helped them feel like they were part of one nation.

She became the leader of the women's group in the independence movement. This movement was called the Movement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa (MESAN). She worked closely with Barthélémy Boganda, who started the movement. In 1953, she became the president of the party.

Her country became independent in 1960. Elisabeth then worked with the first president, David Dacko. She also worked with the army leader, Jean-Bédel Bokassa. She was a trusted adviser to both leaders. She also helped ordinary people, trying to solve problems and make life better for everyone.

Later, Bokassa took control of the country in 1965. He became the head of the party, the state, and the government. In 1972, Bokassa named himself president for life. He also made Elisabeth Domitien the vice president of the MESAN party.

In 1973, she led a big meeting for farmers from all over the Central African Republic. She was smart and hardworking. People liked her, and she helped unite the country. Bokassa needed her support.

On January 2, 1975, Bokassa created a new government. He introduced the role of prime minister. Elisabeth Domitien was chosen for this important job. It was the International Women's Year, and Bokassa wanted to show the world that he supported women in leadership.

As prime minister, Elisabeth worked to make women's lives better. She wanted to improve their income and their standing in society. She believed people should support their leaders. But she also believed leaders should respect their people. She was brave enough to tell the president her opinions. She even helped many people who had been arrested without a fair reason.

Her good relationship with Bokassa changed when he wanted to declare himself emperor. Elisabeth did not agree with this plan. Because of her disagreement, she was removed from her position on April 7, 1976. Her government team was also dismissed.

After Bokassa was removed from power in 1979, Elisabeth Domitien faced some challenges. She was briefly held and later could not return to politics. In 1993, a new civilian government was elected. Ange-Félix Patassé became president. Elisabeth received recognition for the difficulties she had faced.

She remained a well-known person in her country. She was respected as a former politician and a successful businesswoman. When she passed away in 2005, she was honored with an official burial.

Personal Life

Elisabeth Domitien was married two times. Her first husband was Jean Baka. He worked as an accountant. They had a daughter named Beatrice in 1941. They later divorced.

Elisabeth then married Mr. Ngouka-Langadiji. He was a mayor and owned a coffee farm. He lived in a different region, and Elisabeth lived alone in the capital city, Bangui. Her husband would visit her there.

See also

In Spanish: Elisabeth Domitien para niños