André-Marie Mbida

On August 14, 1946 Andre-Marie Mbida married Marguerite Embolo, the daughter of a powerful tribal chief. Mbida and his wife had six children together.

One of his sons, Louis Tobie Mbida, is currently the head of the Cameroonian Party of Democrats. Another son, Simon Pierre Omgba Mbida, is a Cameroonian diplomat.

In 1980, the political leader became grievously ill. He traveled to France for treatment and died in a hospital on May 2.

Andre Marie Mbida was born on January 1, 1917 in Edinding in the Nyong and Sanaga region of Cameroon. Andre's father was Simon Monbele Ongo Nanga, the chief of the Ngo Iougou tribe. His mother was Ngono Veronique.

As a boy, Andre attended a primary school in Erok. From 1929 to 1935, he studied at the ‘Minor Seminary’ in Akono. His curriculum included courses on mathematics and Latin.

From 1935 to 1943, he studied at the ‘Major Seminary’ in Mvolye. While enrolled in the school, he befriended two future presidents of African nations.

In 1943, Mbida graduated from the seminary. He chose a secular job as Head Teacher of a school in Balessing.

While working as a teacher, Mbida continued his studies. In 1945, he became a lawyer. He was briefly hired to work in the treasury in Yaounde.

Later in 1945, he worked for the private sector, as a business representative, alternating between Yaounde and Ebolowa. He would hold this position for the next nine years.

In 1950, he began working with the ‘French Socialist Party’ (SFIO). Although it was based in France, the political party SFIO was active in Cameroon, then under French administration.

In 1952, he ran for office and was successfully elected to the Territorial Assembly.

Andre-Marie Mbida was the first Head of State of Cameroon from May 12, 1957 to February 16, 1958. He used his position and power to free his homeland from the crutches of the colonial French Government.