Oumarou, Ide (1937–2002)

Niger diplomat, politician and administrator, secretary general of the Organization of African Unity (OAU; later African Union) 1985–89.

He was editor of the country's main daily newspaper Le Niger 1961–63, becoming commissioner general of information in 1972. Between 1972 and 1974 he was director general of the office of posts and telecommunications. After Seyni Kountche seized power in 1974, Oumarou, a trusted friend, became the most influential civil servant in the country. In 1979 he was appointed Niger's permanent representative to the United Nations and in 1983 became minister of foreign affairs and cooperation.

As OAU secretary general, Oumarou had the reputation of being an efficient administrator, introducing internal reforms to reduce costs. He was also concerned about the problem of apartheid in South Africa. In 1989 he stood for re-election but was defeated by Tanzania's deputy prime minister, Salim Ahmed Salim.

In 1987 he was awarded the Grand Prix Littéraire de l'Afrique for his novel Gros Plan.