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Michel Djotodia

Bangui. — The election of Catherine Samba-Panza as the new interim leader of the Central African Republic was unanimously hailed by the country’s political class: the anti-Balaka self-defence militia, the ex-Seleka rebels and civil society.
Samba-Panza, who was the Bangui mayor, was elected on Monday by the National Transition Council (CNT), or the transitional parliament, 10 days after the resignation of ex-transition president, Michel Djotodia.

A renowned civil society activist, Samba-Panza (54) was appointed Bangui mayor after Djotodia took power on March 24, 2013.
According to Bruno Namkoisse of the Democratic Party of Central African Republic (PDCA), her election as the interim leader was “a victory for democracy.”

“All the political parties that governed this country have had limitations.
“It is now time to leave room for an apolitical person to guide us through the transition and organise peaceful and democratic elections next year,” he said.

The same view is shared by the country’s civil society groups which expressed support for the new leader.
“The desire of civil society groups was to see a neutral person guiding us through the transition after Djotodia’s departure. We are happy with her election,” said Gervais Lakosso, co-ordinator of the CRA’s civil society working group.

Speaking on behalf of the anti-Balaka militia groups, Aimer Feidanga welcomed Samba-Panza’s election.
The ex-Seleka coalition which deposed ex-President Francois Bozize from power in March 2013, hailed the “wisdom” that guided the transition parliamentarians as they made their choice.

“The ex-Seleka will do their best to ensure peace is restored in the Central African Republic. We are at the service of our country, and if we are called upon, we shall always be present,” said Souleymane Anoure, one of the key military chiefs of the ex-rebels.

Samba-Panza was elected as the country’s interim leader in the second round of voting by the CNT, obtaining 75 votes against her challenger Desire Nzanga-Kolingba, the son to ex-president Andre Kolingba.

Currently, the presidential functions are being performed by the CNT president Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet who, according to the country’s provisional constitution, is supposed to hold the position for 15 days. — Xinhua.