Ahmadou Babatoura Ahidjo was born in the region of Garoua (Cameroon) in 1924. Upon completing his early studies, he continued his education at the Yaunde School of Administration. Afterwards, he worked as a telegraph office worker and radio operator, and acquired a growing interest in politics.

His first steps in this area took place in the Cameroon Assembly of Representatives as a regional deputy. From there, he rose to the positions of General Secretary and Vice President. His political track record continued to grow until he assumed the role of minister in 1957. When Cameroon obtained its independence, the first Head of Government resigned, and Ahidjo took over the role.

In the meantime, the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon, a radical nationalist organisation that demanded complete independence, began an armed fight against the French administration. Although Ahidjo offered amnesty to those who surrendered, many rejected this offer, and for years there were periodic armed clashes. 

In 1960, the country obtained its independence and the unification with the southern part of Cameroon, which had been British until 1961, after a plebiscite. In the first elections, Ahidjo was elected by a slight majority, although consecutively for five terms of office. Meanwhile, the nation adopted a single party formula, which during that time had become a generalisation throughout the entire Central African region. 

In 1984, he was sentenced to death for conspiring against his successor. He never returned to Cameroon and he split his time between Senegal and France. He died in Dakar in 1989.

Source: www.ikuska.com