Jean-Serge Bokassa

Who is Jean-Serge Bokassa?

Jean-Serge Bokassa is a Central African politician who has been Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture since April 2011. He is a son of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, who ruled the Central African Republic from 1966 to 1979.

Born in Bangui in 1972, Jean-Serge was a son of Bokassa and Joelle Aziza Eboulia. When his father became Emperor of the Central African Empire on 4 December 1976, Jean-Serge, along with his siblings became a Prince with the style Imperial Highness. He was enrolled at a Swiss boarding school when his father was overthrown. As a result he was taken out of the school and along with other family members went into exile in Gabon.

The family eventually returned from exile and Jean-Serge has been elected as a deputy in the National Assembly of the Central African Republic. While speaking warmly of his father, saying that he was a loving family man and "a patriot" who was the victim of "character assassination by media", he has described Bokassa's creation of a monarchy as "indefensible".