Meet Gabon’s First Female Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda + Some Facts About Her

The president of Gabon on Thursday appointed Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda as the country’s first female prime minister.

Raponda takes over from Julien Nkoghe Bekale, who has held the role since January 2019.

She held the position of Defence Minister before this appointment.

In a statement, the president’s office said her mission will include “ensuring (Gabon’s) economic relaunch and necessary social support in the light of the world crisis linked to COVID-19”.

1.Raponda was born in 1963 and is a member of the Mpongwe people.

2. She received a degree in economics and public finance from the Gabonese Institute of Economy and Finance.

3.Raponda worked as Director-General of the Economy and Deputy Director-General of the Housing Bank of Gabon.

 4. She served as Budget Minister from February 2012 until January 2014.

 5. Raponda was elected Mayor of the capital city Libreville on 26 January 2014, representing the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party.

 6. She was the first woman to hold the position since 1956 and she served until 2019.

 7. She also became President of the United Cities and Local Governments Africa.

 8. Raponda was appointed as the Defense Minister of Gabon by president Ali Bongo Ondimba after the failed coup in January 2019 on 12 February 2019.

^]