Salim, Salim Ahmed (1942- )

Tanzanian diplomat and secretary general of the Organization of African Unity (OAU; later African Union) from 1989. His administration took a tough line on countries that have not paid their contributions. In Tanzania he was minister of foreign affairs 1968-69, prime minister 1984-85, and deputy prime minister and minister of defence 1986-89. In 1984 he was a leading candidate to succeed Nyerere as president and, although unsuccessful at the time, was still considered to be a likely contender in the future. He was ambassador to India, China, Korea, Jamaica, Cuba, and also worked extensively for the United Nations (UN).

Salim was born on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, and educated at Lumumba College, the University of Delhi, India, and Columbia University, New York. He began his political career in 1960 as secretary general of the Zanzibar Youth Movement. Between 1961 and 1962 he was deputy chief representative of the Zanzibar office in Havana, Cuba.