Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 2 November 2016: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed her profound sadness and shock that followed the death of Mr. William Aurelien Eteki Mboumoua, former Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The death occurred in Yaoundé, on 26 October 2016, at the age of 83. The AU Commission Chairperson has sent her deepest condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of Cameroon, and to the bereaved family. Born in Cameroon, the Late Eteki Mboumoua had a distinguished political career serving as Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports, and Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1961 and 1987 in Cameroon. He served the OAU as Secretary-General from 1974 to 1978. In her condolence message, the AU Commission Chairperson Dr. Dlamini Zuma, said Africa has lost one of his illustrious sons and a great Pan-Africanist. Recalling his memorable career and immense contribution, she commended Mr Eteki Mboumoua’s hard work and dedication towards the liberation and development of Africa saying: “It was during his tenure of office that Africa started dismantling the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa with the Independence of Guinea Bissau in September 1974, Sao Tomé & Principe in July 1975 and Angola in November 1975.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted. The AU Commission Chairperson hailed him as an accomplished diplomat, and seasoned negotiator, who steered the continental body through the turbulent years of the mid-70s. As one of the pioneer Secretaries-General of the OAU, Mr. Eteki Mboumoua will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the fight against Colonialism and Apartheid, one of the key objectives for which the OAU was formed. May his soul rest in eternal peace. For further information contact Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia Follow us Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission Learn more at: http://www.au.int