Célestine Ketcha Courtès

Célestine Ketcha Courtès (born 13 October 1964) is a Cameroonian politician who serves as mayor of Bangangté and is president of the Network for Locally Elected Women of Africa (in French, Réseau des Femmes Elues Locales d’Afrique, often called REFELA).

Early life and education Courtès was born on 13 October 1964 in Maroua in the northern region of Cameroon. Her father, who she is named after, was the Chief Superior of Bangangté from 1912 to 1943. After her mother's death, she set up a charitable foundation in her memory called "La Case à la Table Ouverte de Maman Pauline."

In July 2011, a lawsuit was brought by Courtès' cousin, a shareholder of a similar company, alleging irregularities in her business. On 8 January 2015, the Court of Appeal upheld the award of the district court but reduced the sentence to a 167,100 Cfa fine and nine-month detention. as well as praise as a model of leadership in Africa in the fight for equality.

On 1 December 2015, Courtès became President of the Network of Locally Elected Women of African, representing the Central African region, replacing Mauritian Fatimatou Abdel Malick. The network, formed in Tangier in March 2011, brings together women elected in local government positions. Later in 2016, Courtès was one of a hundred mayors invited by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to contribute to a new urban agenda ahead of the Habitat III Summit in Quito. She also participated in 2016 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Morocco.

Awards and honours Knight of the National Order of Sports Merit (one of only two women to receive this award along with Françoise Mbango Etone Knight of the National Order of Valour, 2015 United Nations Public Service Awards, 2014

Personal life Courtès is married and has two daughters. She speaks French, English and German.