Francois Bozize

Francois Bozize is the President of the Central African Republic. He entered office in 2003, after seizing power from then-President Ange-Felix Patasse. Bozize was reelected during the 2005 presidential elections.

Bozize was born in Mouila, Gabon, on October 14, 1946. He attended Military Officers College in Bouar, a central African province. He started his career as a second lieutenant in 1969 and later became a captain. He was appointed Brigadier General by Emperor Jean Bedal Bokassa in 1978. He became Defense Minister under President David Dacko in 1979. When Dacko was ousted by Andre Kolingba in 1981, Bozize became the Minister of Communications.

In an attempt to improve the country's stability and maintain governmental power, Bozize started negotiations with rebels and civilian opposition. He was able to successfully present the government's poverty reduction strategies to donors during a 2007 round table meeting in Brussels and donors pledged $600 million.