Ahmadou Ahidjo
Ahidjo, Ahmadou
Born Aug. 1924.Cameroon statesman.
In 1941, Ahidjo completed the administrative school in Yaounde, becoming a radio operator. From 1947 he was elected to several local government bodies under the French colonial administration including the Representative, Territorial, and Legislative assemblies. After Cameroon was given internal autonomy, he became deputy premier in 1957 and premier in February 1958. He served in this office until May 1960, when he was elected president of Cameroon. After the formation of the Federal Republic of Cameroon in October 1961, Ahidjo became president of the republic. He has been the national chairman of the ruling party, the Cameroonian Union, since 1966.