François Bozizé held the presidency of the Central African Republic from 2003 until his ouster in 2013. A career military officer and politician, he seized power through a military coup and remained a central, polarizing figure in the nation's political landscape for decades, eventually fleeing into exile as insurgent forces overtook the capital, Bangui, during his final term.
Military Rise and Early Government Roles
Bozizé attained the rank of second lieutenant in 1969 and captain by 1975. In 1978, Jean-Bédel Bokassa appointed him a brigadier general. Following the removal of Bokassa in 1979, Bozizé served as Minister of Defense from 1979 to 1981 under David Dacko. Upon the transition to the presidency of André Kolingba, he became Minister of Information. However, his participation in a 1982 coup attempt led him to flee the country, eventually resulting in his imprisonment in Benin in 1989.
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After his acquittal and release in 1991, Bozizé re-entered political life, running as an independent candidate in the 1993 presidential election. He later served as Armed Forces Chief of Staff under President Ange-Félix Patassé, helping to suppress military mutinies in 1996 and 1997. Relations soured in 2001 when his loyalty was questioned. After being dismissed from his post, Bozizé led a rebellion from bases in Chad, culminating in the capture of Bangui in March 2003 while Patassé was abroad.
Presidency and Departure
Upon seizing power, Bozizé suspended the 1995 constitution and entered a transitional period. He secured legitimacy through victory in the 2005 and 2011 presidential elections. By December 2012, his administration faced an uprising from rebels who cited failures to uphold previous peace agreements. In March 2013, rebel forces seized the presidential palace, forcing Bozizé to flee through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Cameroon. In May 2013, the Central African Republic issued an international arrest warrant for him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Mouila
- Citizenship: Central African Republic
- Military rank: General
- Presidential term: 2003-2013
- Languages: French, Sango
- Religion: Protestantism
- Awards: Order of recognition, Order of Merit
Questions readers ask
Was François Bozizé born in the Central African Republic?
No, he was born in Mouila, Gabon.
When did François Bozizé lose power?
He lost control of the presidential palace on 24 March 2013.
Achievements
- Order of Merit
- Worked as politician, warlord and minister
