Africa now has a second female president as Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, was on Thursday, June 4, 2015 appointed the first woman president of Mauritius.
Mauritius’ Gurib-Fakim, a 55 year old Chemistry Professor, did not face a presidential campaign as she was appointed president following the Friday, May 29, 2015 resignation of her predecessor, Rajkeswar Purhang.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, from Liberia is the other African female president ,
Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth had moved a motion proposing Gurib-Fakim as President after revealing that he would nominate her during the electoral campaign in December.
The lawmakers approved Anerood Jugnauth’s motion and Gurib-Fakim was appointed President.
“It is the first time in the history of Mauritius that a woman has acceded to this post,” parliament speaker Santi Bai Hanoomanjee said after lawmakers approved Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth’s motion proposing Gurib-Fakim.
On her appointment, Gurib Fakim was quoted saying, “I take it with humility. I feel there is a consensus among members of parliament and also among the population.”
