Gérard Kango Ouédraogo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gérard Kango Ouédraogo
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Prime Minister of Upper Volta | |
| In office 13 February 1971 – 8 February 1974 |
|
| Succeeded by | Sangoulé Lamizana |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 September 1925 Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso |
| Died | 1 July 2014 (aged 88) Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso |
Gérard Kango Ouédraogo was an important leader and diplomat from Burkina Faso. He was born on September 19, 1925, and passed away on July 1, 2014. He served as the Prime Minister of a country then called Upper Volta. Today, this country is known as Burkina Faso. He held this high position from 1971 to 1974. Later, he became the President of the National Assembly (like a parliament) from 1978 to 1980.
Contents
Who Was Gérard Kango Ouédraogo?
Gérard Ouédraogo was born in a place called Ouahigouya, which is in Burkina Faso. His full name, Kango, comes from an old word meaning "the field around a palace." He went to school at Terrason de Fougères Modern School in Bamako.
Early Steps in Politics
Gérard Ouédraogo started his political journey early. In 1956, he was chosen to be a member of the French National Assembly in Paris. This was a big deal, as it meant he represented his people in France's government.
He also held other important roles. He was the vice-president of the Grand Council of French West Africa. From 1958 to 1959, he served as the Minister of Finance. This meant he was in charge of the country's money matters.
A Diplomat and Ambassador
After Upper Volta became independent, Gérard Ouédraogo became its first ambassador to Britain. He served in this role from 1960 to 1966. An ambassador is like a country's main representative in another nation. His job was to build good relationships between Upper Volta and Britain.
Leading as Prime Minister
Gérard Ouédraogo became the Prime Minister of Upper Volta in 1971. He served under the president Sangoulé Lamizana. As Prime Minister, he was the head of the government, leading many important decisions for the country. His political party, the Voltaic Democratic Union, won many seats in the elections of 1970, which helped him become Prime Minister.
President of the National Assembly
After his time as Prime Minister, he continued to serve his country. From 1978 to 1980, he was the President of the National Assembly of Upper Volta. This meant he led the meetings and work of the country's lawmakers.
Later Years and Legacy
Gérard Ouédraogo was a founding member of several political groups. He was also a city councilor for Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.
In the early 1990s, when Burkina Faso became more democratic, he was elected as a lawmaker again. He was chosen in 1992 and re-elected in 1997. He later decided to step down from the National Assembly in 1997.
He was honored as the Honorary President of the Alliance for Democracy and Federation–African Democratic Rally (ADF/ADR). This party is now led by his son, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo.
Gérard Kango Ouédraogo passed away on July 1, 2014, in Ouagadougou, at the age of 88. He is remembered as a key figure in the history of Burkina Faso.
