Ferdinand Oyono facts for kids

Ferdinand Léopold Oyono (born September 14, 1929 – died June 10, 2010) was an important person from Cameroon. He was a diplomat, a politician, and a writer.

His books are known for using irony. This means he showed how things might seem one way, but were actually very different. He wrote in French in the 1950s.

Even though he wrote for a short time, his novels are famous. They spoke out against colonialism, which is when one country controls another. His first novel, Une vie de boy, was published in 1956. It was later called Houseboy in English.

Starting in the 1960s, Oyono worked for many years as a diplomat. He also served as a minister in the government of Cameroon. He was a close helper to President Paul Biya. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1992 to 1997. Then he became the Minister of State for Culture from 1997 to 2007. He was also the leader of UNICEF from 1977 to 1978.

A Life in Diplomacy and Politics

Oyono was born near Ebolowa in the South Province of Cameroon. He finished his high school education in Yaoundé. After that, he went to study in Paris, France.

When Cameroon became an independent country, Oyono joined its team. He was part of the Cameroonian group at the United Nations in 1960. This was when Cameroon joined the UN.

Oyono then served as Cameroon's ambassador to many countries. This was from 1965 to 1974. An ambassador is a top diplomat who represents their country.

In 1965, he was briefly the Ambassador to Liberia. From 1965 to 1968, he was ambassador to the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). He also worked with the European Communities.

From 1969 to 1974, he was ambassador to France. He also covered Spain, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

From 1974 to 1982, he was Cameroon's main representative at the United Nations. He even led a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in 1975. He was also the Chairman of UNICEF from 1977 to 1978.

From 1982 to 1985, he was again an ambassador. First, he went to Algeria and Libya. Then, he was ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries.

Working for President Biya

In 1985, President Paul Biya called Oyono back from London. He made him the Secretary-General of the Presidency of Cameroon. This was a very powerful job.

Oyono stayed in this role for about a year. Then, in 1986, President Biya appointed him as Minister of Town Planning and Housing.

Even though he left the government in 1990, he returned. On November 27, 1992, he became the Minister of Foreign Relations. He held this job until December 8, 1997. Then he was named Minister of State for Culture.

Oyono helped with President Biya's re-election campaign in 2004. He led the support team in the South Province.

Later Years and Passing

After almost ten years as Minister of State for Culture, Oyono left the government. This happened on September 7, 2007. People thought he was a close friend of President Biya. His age and health were reasons for his departure.

Even after leaving the government, Oyono was still important. He was seen as an "unofficial adviser" to President Biya. On June 30, 2009, Biya made him a roving ambassador. This meant he could travel and represent the president.

On May 14, 2010, Oyono attended a special play. It celebrated Cameroon's independence. This was part of the country's 50th year of freedom from France.

Oyono died suddenly in Yaoundé on June 10, 2010. He was 80 years old. This happened during a visit by Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Oyono reportedly fell ill at the presidential palace. He received quick medical help but passed away.

President Biya shared his sadness about Oyono's death. Secretary-General Ban also expressed his sorrow. An official funeral was held for Oyono. He was buried near Ebolowa on June 26, 2010.

His Famous Novels

Ferdinand Oyono wrote his novels in French in the late 1950s. They were translated into English later on. His books often showed the problems and unfairness of colonialism.

Here are some of his important works:

• Une vie de boy (published in Paris, 1956). It was translated as Houseboy in 1966. This novel is like a diary. It criticizes the way things were during colonial times.
• Le Vieux Nègre et la médaille (published in Paris, 1956). It was translated as The Old Man and the Medal in 1969.
• Chemin d'Europe (1960). It was translated as Road to Europe in 1989.

See also

In Spanish: Ferdinand Oyono para niños