So far, Mauritius is the only country in the history of Africa, if not the world, that a woman president handed over to another female president. From acting President Agnès Bellepeau to elected President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim in 2015.

Agnès Monique Ohsan Bellepeau our celebrant for today, was acting president from March 2012 to July 2012 and then from May 2015 to June 2015; when she handed over to President Gurib. Ms. Ohsan Bellepeau began her career as a journalist, a television personality. Then she joined politics. The Labour Party to be exact.

President Bellepeau was first voted into office as the fourth vice-president of Mauritius in 2010. A position she held for six years. In between this period, was when she was became acting President, twice. How? Two presidents, to whom she was vice, resigned at different points of her career.

First, Mrs Bellepeau was vice-president of Mr. Jugnauth in November 2010. Then he resigned in March 2012 and she had to step up as President till Mr. Purryag was elected and sworn in July 2012. By May 2015, Mr. Purryag again resigned from being President.

Thus making Mrs Bellepeau acting President for the second time. This is another unique situation for Agnès.

By the way, Agnès lost her beloved husband, Yves Bellepeau, three days after she became vice-president. This tragic blow did not slow her down. She braved the pain and continued to serve her people to the best of her ability.

Also at a time, she doubled as President of Mauritius and President of Labour Party. She juggled both responsibilities effectively and efficiently. She handed over to President Gurib and has continued to guide young politicians behind the scenes.

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