Ahidjo, Ahmadu (b. Garoua, Cameroon, Aug. 1924; d. 30 Nov. 1989) Cameroonian; Prime Minister 1958–60, President 1960–82 A Fula Muslim from the north of the country, Ahidjo received a secondary education and became a radio operator in the post office before his election to the Representative Assembly in 1947. In 1953 he was elected to the Assembly of the French Union in Paris. He rose to be Vice-Prime Minister in 1957 and Prime Minister in 1958, becoming President at independence on 1 January 1960. He remained in office until his voluntary retirement in 1982.

As leader of the moderate Union Camerounaise, Ahidjo was aided in his quest for power by French support against ...