Simon Achidi Achu

Simon Achidi Achu, also called Pa ( born September 5, 1932) was from 1992 to 1996 Prime Minister of Cameroon.

Early years

Achu grew up in the English-speaking Northwest Province of the country in Santa. After school he went to the University of the capital Yaounde. There, he co-founded a student organization whose first president he was. Later he continued his studies in Marseille. His nickname Pa he received for his friendly disposition.

Politician

Since 29 October 1971 he was a member of the Cabinet and on July 3, 1972 appointed him to the reigning since independence from France in Cameroon 1 June 1960 President Ahmadou Ahidjo to the Minister of Justice. He remained about two years in office and then returned to Santa and led a farm. After a few years out of politics, he was elected to Parliament.

President Paul Biya since 1982 Ahidjos successor, appointed him on 9 April 1992 as prime minister of a coalition government. It belongs to the party of the president, the Rassemblement du Peuple démocratique Camerounais ( RDPC ). The appointment of an English Prime Minister, the President wanted to reduce tensions with this minority in the predominantly French-speaking Cameroon. In October 1992 there was the first presidential election with several candidates who won Biya. In foreign policy, his government in 1994 had to deal with a border conflict with Nigeria, which could be settled later brokered by the United Nations. After his resignation, his term of office ended on 19 September 1996. His successor was Peter Mafany Musonge, who also hails from the English-speaking part of the country.