Every March 29 in the Central African Republic, the Commemoration of Boganda is observed. This national holiday commemorates the anniversary of the demise of Barthélemy Boganda, the nation’s first prime minister. Barthélemy Boganda, a politician and independence activist from Central Africa, was born in 1910. He was the first Prime Minister of the Central African Republic as an independent nation.
HISTORY OF COMMEMORATION OF BOGANDA
After the passing of his parents, Roman Catholic missionaries adopted and educated Boganda, who was born into a farming family. In 1938, he was consecrated as a Roman Catholic priest. After serving in multiple missions during World War II, the Bishop of Bangui persuaded Boganda to enter politics. In 1946, he was elected as the first Oubanguian to the French National Assembly, where he spoke out against racism and the abuses of the colonial administration.
In 1949, he established the Movement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa (MESAN), which quickly gained popularity among villagers and peasants. Boganda was excommunicated from the seminary after developing a relationship with and eventually marrying Michelle Jourdain, a parliamentary secretary. However, he continued to advocate for blacks’ fundamental rights and equal treatment in the territory. MESAN won local elections as France conceded measures of representation to its colonies, and he acquired influence in Oubangui-Chari’s government. However, his reputation suffered when he supported a failed economic scheme.
On December 1, Boganda proclaimed Oubangui-Chari to be the Republic of Central Africa. As the first chancellor of the autonomous territory and president of the Council of Government, he drafted administrative reforms and prepared for the next election. He was killed in a plane accident en route to Bangui on March 29, 1959. Experts discovered a trace of explosives in the plane’s wreckage, but a complete report on the incident was never published. Therefore, the likelihood of assassination remains uncertain. The Central African Republic gained formal independence from France in 1960. His death is commemorated annually in the country, and he continues to exist in the national consciousness.
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HOW TO OBSERVE COMMEMORATION OF BOGANDA
Enjoy a day off
In Central Africa, the Commemoration of Boganda is a public holiday. It is a day off for the majority of the population. Consequently, most institutions and businesses are closed. Additionally, you may take a day off.
Read about the biography of Boganda
You can seek for additional information about Boganda’s life to learn more about him. The internet contains a wealth of information about him.
Share a social media post
Share details regarding Boganda’s existence on social media. Utilize the #CommemorationOfBoganda hashtag.
Five essential facts about Central Africa
It is one of the lowest nations.
Although the Central African Republic is rich in natural resources such as diamonds, gold, oil, arable land, and timber, it has the second-lowest per capita gross domestic product in the globe.
There exists the second-largest rainforest on earth.
The Congolese Rainforest, which spans six countries including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic, is the second-largest rainforest in the world.
A perfect location for stargazing
Chad, the Central African Republic, and Madagascar have the world’s darkest nights, so they are least afflicted by light pollution.
It’s a multicultural country
In the Central African Republic, there are over 80 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language.
It is abundant in biodiversity
There are 600 identified species of butterflies and uncommon and endemic species such as gorillas, elephants, hippos, cheetahs, lions, and rhinos.
WHY BOGANDA CELEBRATION IS IMPORTANT
Boganda is vital to the inhabitants of Central Africa.
He was a pivotal figure in Central Africa’s independence. Prior to Central Africa’s independence, Boganda was active in the region, which was a part of French Equatorial Africa and was known as Oubangui-Chari.
He was held in high regard by the church.
Boganda was not particularly concerned with religious missions when he entered politics. However, he utilised the widespread esteem for the Catholic Church to his advantage.
Boganda was a militant.
He created significant items for immigrants and religious individuals. He was beloved by all.
COMMEMORATION OF BOGANDA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 29 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 29 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 29 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 29 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 29 | Monday |
