William Eteki Mboumoua facts for kids

William Aurélien Eteki Mboumoua (born October 20, 1933, died October 26, 2016) was an important person in Cameroon's government and a diplomat. He worked as a minister for many years. From 1961 to 1968, he was the Minister of National Education. Later, from 1984 to 1987, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Eteki Mboumoua also led the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) as its Secretary-General from 1974 to 1978. After his government roles, he became the President of the Cameroon Red Cross.

William Eteki Mboumoua's Early Life and Education

William Eteki Mboumoua was born in 1933 in Douala, a city in Cameroon. His family lived in the Bonadibong area. In the 1950s, he went to France to study.

Starting His Career in Government

From 1958 to 1961, Eteki Mboumoua worked as a Prefect in the Nkam and Sanaga-Maritime regions. These were busy and sometimes difficult times for those areas. On October 20, 1961, he was chosen to be the Minister of National Education. He kept this job until 1968. During this time, he also handled youth, sports, and culture.

Working with UNESCO

Eteki Mboumoua was also part of the Executive Board of UNESCO from 1962 to 1968. UNESCO is an organization that promotes education, science, and culture around the world. In 1967, he became its Vice-President. He then served as President of the UNESCO General Conference from 1968 to 1970.

Leading the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)

From 1971 to 1973, Eteki Mboumoua was a special advisor to Cameroon's President, Ahmadou Ahidjo. In 1974, the leader of the OAU, Nzo Ekangaki, who was also from Cameroon, stepped down. President Ahidjo suggested Eteki Mboumoua for the job.

Becoming OAU Secretary-General

At an OAU meeting in Mogadishu in June 1974, the election for the new leader was stuck. Candidates from Somalia and Zambia could not get enough votes. So, everyone agreed to choose Eteki Mboumoua as a compromise. He was elected without anyone voting against him.

Helping Solve Conflicts

After Somalia attacked Ethiopia in July 1977, the OAU tried to help. In August, they tried to get both sides to talk. However, Somalia refused to join the talks. They were upset because their allies, the Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF), were not included. Eteki Mboumoua explained that the OAU did not see the WSLF as a real liberation group. Somalia then criticized the OAU for not doing enough to help African freedom.

Leaving the OAU and Returning to Cameroon's Government

Eteki Mboumoua stayed as Secretary-General of the OAU until 1978. After him, Edem Kodjo, the Foreign Minister of Togo, took over. Eteki Mboumoua then went back to being a special advisor to President Ahidjo from 1978 to 1980. From 1980 to 1984, he was a Minister for Special Duties under the President.

When President Ahidjo resigned, Paul Biya became the new President. Eteki Mboumoua kept his job. Many people thought he was close to President Biya. On July 7, 1984, President Biya made him the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

A Surprising Dismissal

In January 1987, President Biya removed Eteki Mboumoua from the government. This decision surprised many people. No specific reason was given, but it was said he had committed a "grave fault." When asked why, President Biya said he had the right to dismiss officials without explaining. Some people thought Eteki Mboumoua was removed because he disagreed with Cameroon starting diplomatic relations with Israel again in 1986. His sudden removal was a big shock to other government leaders.

Later Life and Humanitarian Work

After leaving his government roles, Eteki Mboumoua started working in humanitarian aid. He became the President of the Cameroon Red Cross. He also continued to do some diplomatic work. In 1995, the OAU asked him to help solve political problems in the Comoros.

Helping People and Promoting African Unity

At a Red Cross event in Bertoua on August 3, 2007, Eteki Mboumoua talked about the serious problems caused by illegal migration. He explained how people moving illegally from one African country to another to escape violence can make things unstable. He believed that only African unity, like a United States of Africa, could truly fix this problem.

On January 30, 2009, he asked for donations for the Cameroon Red Cross's emergency relief fund. Eteki Mboumoua explained that his organization did not get enough money from the government. He also said that help from other places often arrived too late. So, the Red Cross started its own emergency fund in 2008. He urged people to donate so the Red Cross could quickly help in emergencies.

William Eteki Mboumoua passed away at a hospital in Yaoundé on October 26, 2016. He was 83 years old.

Other Activities

Eteki Mboumoua also wrote two books in the 1970s. They were called A Certain Humanism (published in 1972) and Democratizing Culture (published in 1974).