Henri Maïdou
| Henri Maïdou | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Prime Minister of the Central African Empire | |
|
In office 14 July 1978 – 26 September 1979 |
|
| Preceded by | Ange-Félix Patassé |
| Succeeded by | Bernard Ayandho |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
14 February 1936 Bangui, French Equatorial Africa, Ubangi-Shari (now Central African Republic) |
| Occupation | Professor |
Henri Maïdou (born 14 February 1936) is a retired Central African politician. He was Prime Minister of the Central African Empire/Central African Republic from 14 July 1978 to 26 September 1979.
Maidou was born on 14 February 1936 in Bangui. His father, Maurice Maidou, was an official and his twin brother, Christophe Maidou, is a diplomat. Henri Maidou came from an academic background and worked as a geography professor.
His entry into politics came on 25 June 1970, when President Jean-Bedel Bokassa named him Minister of Education. He became minister of youth, sports, and the arts on 26 April 1971. Maidou was appointed Minister of Public Health and Social Affairs on 16 October 1973. On 15 June 1974, he became minister of urbanism and territorial administration on 15 June. His second stint as Minister of Education began on 4 April 1976. Maidou became second vice prime minister of the Conseil de la revolution centrafricaine on 4 September, with his portfolio consisting of national education and education reform. His responsibilities were expanded to include youth, sports, arts, and culture on 14 December.
Bokassa was unsatisfied with the results of the 1977 baccalaureate and sought to reform the school system. Maidou's solution was to remove French teachers, an option Bokassa rejected. At the bidding of Bokassa, Maidou announced on 2 February 1978 that all schoolchildren must wear a specific type of uniform by 1 October. Jewelry and hats were forbidden, and students faced suspension from school if they refused to comply. The uniforms were costly, and Bokassa's family owned the Compagnie industrielle ouanguienne des textiles, which manufactured these uniforms. This sparked student protests, and their suppression resulted in the Bangui children's massacre of 1979. Around 100 children perished in the massacre.
Prime minister Ange-Félix Patassé suffered a heart attack in March 1978 and went to France to recuperate. In his absence, Bokassa dissolved his government and appointed Maidou prime minister on 14 July 1978. Maidou became dissatisfied with the emperor in May 1979, after having to read a statement that denied that the children's massacre ever happened. He feared the wrath of the citizens if Bokassa's regime fell. He was likely involved in the plot that overthrew Bokassa on 20 September 1979.
...
Wikipedia