Origins & Early Life

François Bozizé Yangouvonda (born 14 October 1946) is a Central African politician who was President of the Central African Republic from 2003 to 2013. He was the only Central African president born in modern-day Gabon. Bozizé rose to become a high-ranking army officer in the 1970s, under the rule of Jean-Bédel Bokassa. After Bokassa was ousted, Bozizé served in the government as Minister of Defense from 1979 to 1981 and as Minister of Information from 1981 to 1982.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He participated in a failed 1982 coup attempt against President André Kolingba and subsequently fled the country. Years later, he served as Army Chief of Staff under President Ange-Félix Patassé, but began a rebellion against Patassé in 2001. Bozizé's forces captured the capital, Bangui, in March 2003, while Patassé was outside the country, and Bozizé took power, ushering in a transitional period of government. He won the March–May 2005 presidential election in a second round of voting, and was re-elected in the January 2011 presidential election, winning the vote in the first round. In December 2012, the CAR was plunged into an uprising by rebel forces who condemned the Bozizé government for not honoring peace agreements...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmed Zewail — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Pioneering chemist, acclaimed as the 'father of femtochemistry'.
• Al Green — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic American soul singer, songwriter, and pastor celebrated for his timeless vocal artistry.
• Éamon de Valera — Shared historical date (10-14 · Born) (1882): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• Andrei Bely — Shared historical date (10-14 · Born) (1880): Russian Symbolist poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for 'Petersburg'.
• Alan Rickman — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Alexander Alekhine — Historical peer (Died in 1946) (1946): A celebrated Russian-French chess master and four-time World Champion.
• Alberto Sordi — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Althea Gibson — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Pioneering American tennis and golf star who broke racial barriers in sports.
• Bernadette Lafont — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Iconic French actress, celebrated for her role in the New Wave movement.
• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• October 14 (10-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 14