Ahmadou ahidjo biography biographie

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The period between 1957 and 1960 was a crucial one in Cameroon’s history. Cameroon benefited from the high commodity prices of the 1970s, which allowed the government to invest in infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and hospitals.

However, this policy was not without flaws. Administrative and financial corruption within the state apparatus was also criticized.

In foreign policy, Ahidjo followed a pragmatic approach.

The press was restricted, and political freedoms were limited. Unable to complete his education, he became a radio operator for the post office, a position he held until 1946 when he entered territorial politics. He relied on a powerful security apparatus and brutally suppressed any opposition or protests. On February 18, 1958, he took over from Andre Marie Mbida as the new Prime Minister of Cameroon.

This work also gave him a solid understanding of how the French colonial administration operated, which he would later leverage in his political career.

In 1947, Ahidjo began his political career by being elected to the Regional Assembly of Northern Cameroon. The British part was divided into two regions: British Northern Cameroon and British Southern Cameroons.

During this period, he began to network with French and Cameroonian politicians and gained experience in legislative work.

Cameroon at that time was going through a difficult transition. This decision aimed to increase political centralization and grant the central government in Yaoundé greater powers over the regions. He came from a modest family, with his father being a village chief.

From an early age, Ahidjo displayed a keen intellect and a strong ability to communicate, which qualified him for a position with the French postal administration in 1942.

Working as a postal clerk was a turning point in his life.

His growing importance in Cameroon politics was emphasized when, in 1953, in addition to his functions as territorial deputy, he was elected to the Assembly of the French Union. After independence, Ahidjo was elected as the first president of the republic.

The next task was to unify French Cameroon with British Cameroon.

He believed that independence should come gradually and through understanding with the colonial power, not through armed conflict.

In 1957, the French appointed Ahmadou Ahidjo as Prime Minister of Cameroon, a move seen as a reward for his moderate approach. 3 pages at 300 words per page)

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