Célestin Gaombalet
Célestin Leroy Gaombalet | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Grimari, Central African Republic |
| Died | December 19, 2017 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, banker |
| Years active | 1970s–2013 |
| Known for | Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (2003–2005); President of the National Assembly (2005–2013) |
Célestin Leroy Gaombalet (1 January 1942 – 19 December 2017) was a prominent political figure in the Central African Republic, holding the position of Prime Minister from 2003 until 2005, and subsequently serving as President of the National Assembly between 2005 and 2013.
Biography
Gaombalet was born in Grimari in 1942. His professional journey began in the 1970s with the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (UDEAC). He advanced to become Director-General at the Union Bank in Central Africa, headquartered in Bangui, a role he held until President André Kolingba dismissed him in 1981. Following this, Kolingba appointed him to a position at the Development Bank of Central African States located in Brazzaville. In the early 1990s, Gaombalet returned to his home country to take charge of the Moroccan-Central African People's Bank before eventually retiring from banking.
Though his background in politics was limited, President François Bozizé appointed Gaombalet as prime minister on 12 December 2003, replacing Abel Goumba, who transitioned to vice-president. During a cabinet reorganization on 2 September 2004, Gaombalet maintained his leadership role while overseeing a reduction in the number of ministers from 28 to 24, aiming to decrease expenses without disrupting the existing political equilibrium.
In the 2005 parliamentary elections, Gaombalet secured a seat as Deputy representing Bambari. Subsequently, on 7 June 2005, he was elected President of the National Assembly with a vote count of 78 against Luc Apollinaire Dondon Konamabaye’s 18. He stepped down from his prime ministerial duties on 11 June and was succeeded by Élie Doté two days later.
Gaombalet successfully retained his seat in the National Assembly during the January–March 2011 elections and continued serving as its President for that legislative term.