Equatorial Guinea gets 1st female prime minister

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Equatorial Guinea’s longtime President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as the country’s first female prime minister.

Botey, who was a deputy minister for education in the West African country, replaces Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, who held the position for nearly eight years.

In a tweet, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue congratulated Botey, saying her appointment is proof of the commitment of gender equality and opportunities in the country.

Obiang, 80, is the world's longest-serving head of state, excluding monarchs. He was reelected last November for a sixth term after winning 94.9% of the votes.