Gabon President appoints first female PM

Gabon president Ali Bongo Ondimba has announced Madame Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda as the Nation’s Prime Minister, making her Gabon’s first female Prime Minister.

She will replace Julien Nkoghe Bekale, who had been in the position since January 2019. Her appointment was disclosed by Gabon’s Presidential spokesperson. Until her appointment, she was the Minister of Defense. According to the spokesperson, the president had instructed her to form a new government to run the affairs of the central Africa oil producer. She is the fifth premier to serve under the Ali Bongo presidency.