History was made in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday with the appointment of Manuela Roka Botey as the country’s prime minister. She is the first woman to hold the post.

“This is further proof of the commitment to gender equality…and opportunities in the country”, said Vice President Obiang Mangue shortly after Botey’s appointment was announced.

Botey takes over from Francisco Pascual Obama Asue who served in the position for almost eight years.