Emilie Béatrice Epaye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emilie Béatrice Epaye
Emilie Béatrice Epaye in 2015
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises
In office 19 June 2005 – 2 September 2006
President	François Bozizé
Prime Minister	Élie Doté
Preceded by	Didier Wangué
Succeeded by	Rosalie Koudounguere
Minister of Trade and Industry
In office 28 January 2008 – 22 April 2011
President	François Bozizé
Prime Minister	Faustin-Archange Touadéra
Preceded by	Rosalie Koudounguere
Succeeded by	Mouliom Roosalem
Personal details
Born	ca. 1956
Nationality	Central African
Occupation	Politician Educator
Known for	Director of The Voice of the Heart Foundation

Emilie Béatrice Epaye is a politician and educator from the Central African Republic. She has worked as a government minister and served in the country's National Assembly. Epaye champions good leadership, economic growth, and freedom for citizens. She also works to protect human rights and bring people together in her country. In 2015, she received a special award called the International Women of Courage Award from the U.S. State Department.

About Emilie Béatrice Epaye

Emilie Béatrice Epaye was born around 1956. She first trained to be a teacher. Later, she also managed a family transportation business and worked in trade.

Helping Children: The Voice of the Heart Foundation

In 1994, a special organization called La Fondation la Voix du coeur (The Voice of the Heart Foundation) was started. It was created by Lucienne Patassé, who was the wife of the president at the time. The foundation's goal was to help street children.

The foundation created a safe home in Bangui, the capital city. Here, children who faced violence or had no home could find shelter. They received food, education, medical care, and training. When Lucienne Patassé passed away in 2000, Emilie Béatrice Epaye took over as the director of this important organization.

Emilie Epaye's Political Journey

In 2003, General François Bozizé took control of the government in the Central African Republic. He created a temporary council with many different political groups. Their job was to write a new constitution for the country.

Emilie Epaye was chosen to be the President of the Foreign Affairs Commission. She was also a member of the National Transitional Council from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, she became the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises. She held this important role for five years. From 2008 to 2011, she served as the Minister of Trade and Industry.

Changes in Government

In 2013, a group of armed forces called the Séléka took over the government. This led to a difficult time for the country. Michel Djotodia became president, which caused more problems. The country, which is mostly Christian, saw fighting between different groups.

Eventually, Djotodia agreed to step down. The UN Security Council, the African Union, and the French government sent troops to help bring peace. A new temporary government was formed. Emilie Epaye was again asked to serve in this new government. Catherine Samba-Panza was chosen to lead the country during this transition period.

Working with African Organizations

From 2003 to 2005, Emilie Epaye was part of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). This group works on economic issues in Central Africa.

Starting in 2008, she led the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). As a board member, she helped organize the first African Conference on Intellectual Property in Dakar. She also served on the Council of Ministers of the Economic Union of Central Africa (CAEU). In 2010, this group honored her with a special award called the Medal of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit from the CEMAC Community.