Who was Elisabeth Domitien and why was her appointment significant?

Elisabeth Domitien (c. 1925–2005) was a prominent businesswoman and politician in the Central African Republic. Her appointment as prime minister by Jean-Bédel Bokassa in 1975 was historically significant because she became the first woman to serve as prime minister of any sub-Saharan African country.12

A dedicated political figure, Domitien served as vice president of the Social Evolution Movement of Black Africa, the country's only legal political party at the time. Her tenure as prime minister lasted until 1976, when she was dismissed by Bokassa after opposing his plans to establish a monarchy. Following her dismissal, she faced political repression, including a period of house arrest and a trial after Bokassa was ousted from power in 1979.1