Catherine Samba-Panza was elected president of the Central African Republic in January 2014 by members of the National Transitional Council, the interim parliament, making her the first woman to hold the post. She was president until March 2016, when she handed over power to her successor, Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

Between June 2013 and January 2014, she was appointed the mayor of Bangui by the interim government after she was accepted by both the Seleka rebels and their opponents during the 2012- 2013 conflict due to her reputation for neutrality and incorruptibility.

A successful businesswoman and corporate lawyer, she has also been active in reconciliation efforts and civil society organisations, promoting women’s rights.