# Hassan Gouled Aptidon

> President of Djibouti (1916-2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q297667](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q297667)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan_Gouled_Aptidon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hassan-gouled-aptidon

## Summary
Hassan Gouled Aptidon was a politician and freedom fighter who served as the President of Djibouti. Holding citizenship in both Djibouti and France, he was a central figure in the nation's history during its transition from the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas to a sovereign state. His life spanned from 1916 to 2006, placing him at the forefront of Djibouti's independence era.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 15, 1916 (or January 1, 1916)
- **Nationality**: Djibouti, France
- **Education**: Not provided in source material
- **Known for**: Serving as the President of Djibouti and participating in resistance movements as a freedom fighter
- **Employer(s)**: Not provided in source material
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Resistance movements

## Contributions
Hassan Gouled Aptidon is primarily credited with the leadership of the Republic of Djibouti following its independence. As a freedom fighter, he contributed to the resistance movement against the political establishment prior to the nation's sovereignty. His tenure as President coincided with the establishment of Djibouti as a sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, officially declared on June 27, 1977, succeeding the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

## FAQs
**When was Hassan Gouled Aptidon born?**
He was born in 1916, with specific dates recorded as either October 15, 1916, or January 1, 1916.

**What were Hassan Gouled Aptidon's occupations?**
He was a politician and a freedom fighter, defined as a person who takes part in a resistance movement against an oppressive political or social establishment.

**What citizenships did Hassan Gouled Aptidon hold?**
He held citizenship in both Djibouti and France.

**When did Hassan Gouled Aptidon die?**
He died on November 21, 2006.

**What country did Hassan Gouled Aptidon lead?**
He served as the President of Djibouti, a sovereign state located in the Horn of Africa that gained independence from France in 1977.

## Why They Matter
Hassan Gouled Aptidon matters as the head of state who guided Djibouti during its critical post-independence era. As a freedom fighter turned President, he embodies the political transition of the region from the French colonial empire to the Republic of Djibouti. His dual citizenship highlights the historical and political ties between Djibouti and France. His leadership laid the groundwork for the nation's geopolitical identity in the Horn of Africa, a region strategically located at the intersection of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

## Notable For
- **Presidency**: Serving as the President of Djibouti.
- **Independence Era**: Leading the nation during its transition from the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas to independence in 1977.
- **Resistance**: Being classified as a freedom fighter for participation in resistance movements.
- **Dual Citizenship**: Holding legal status in both Djibouti and France.
- **Longevity**: Living from 1916 to 2006, witnessing nearly a century of geopolitical change in the Horn of Africa.

## Body

### Identity and Lifespan
Hassan Gouled Aptidon was a human male whose life extended from 1916 to 2006. Specific records indicate his birth date as either October 15, 1916, or January 1, 1916. He passed away on November 21, 2006. Throughout his life, he was recognized by various international identifiers, including the ISNI number 0000000041872965, the VIAF ID 64169601, and the BNF (Bibliothèque nationale de France) identifier 13548220c.

### Political Roles and Occupations
Aptidon's professional life was defined by two primary occupations: politician and freedom fighter. As a politician, he sought and held positions within government, ultimately ascending to the role of Head of State. As a freedom fighter, he was actively involved in resistance movements against established political orders. This background positioned him as a key leader in the Republic of Djibouti, a presidential republic where the Head of State serves as the highest authority.

### National Context: Djibouti
Hassan Gouled Aptidon led Djibouti, a sovereign state in the Horn of Africa. The country is strategically bordered by Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, with its capital located in the city of Djibouti. The nation achieved independence from France on June 27, 1977, transitioning from the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas. This period of independence marked the end of colonial rule in the region, allowing the country to establish its own governmental structures and international relations.

During Aptidon's era, Djibouti developed its national identity, characterized by the motto "Unity, Equality, Peace" (اتحاد، مساواة، سلام / Unité, Égalité, Paix). The country's official languages, French and Arabic, reflect its colonial heritage and regional culture. Djibouti is also notable for its geography, containing Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa at -155 metres, and Mousa Ali, its highest point at 2,028 metres.

### International Relations and Citizenship
Aptidon's profile is distinguished by his citizenship in two nations: Djibouti and France. This dual status underscores the intricate relationship between the two countries. France, a semi-presidential republic and permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, historically governed Djibouti as part of its colonial empire. The French colonial presence in Africa included territories such as French Somaliland, which preceded the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

Following independence, Djibouti maintained active memberships in international organizations, including the United Nations (joining September 20, 1977), the African Union, and the League of Arab States (joining September 4, 1977). Aptidon's leadership occurred during the formative years of these memberships, as the nation established itself as a bridge between the African continent and the Arab world.

### Technical Identifiers and Records
Hassan Gouled Aptidon is cataloged in numerous international databases and library systems, reflecting his historical significance. His records include:
- **ISNI**: 0000000041872965
- **VIAF**: 64169601
- **BNF (Bibliothèque nationale de France)**: 13548220c
- **IdRef (SUDOC)**: 050807811
- **GND**: 1193967805
- **Library of Congress Authority**: n89132355
- **NLA (Trove)**: 3504
- **NKC**: cn20010571935
- **BIBSYS**: 00000015051
- **SELIBR**: LIGV034694
- **NLA (People Australia)**: P53363
- **RERO**: 105803
- **Crossref**: 3907046
- **VIAF (2)**: 24076
- **SNAC**: 572732
- **BabelNet**: 299677
- **OpenAlex**: E39PBJw4HfRdyVmK73FJJGC84q

These identifiers link him to various academic, archival, and bibliographic resources globally, ensuring his role in history is preserved across different systems of knowledge.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/hassan-gouled-aptidon-1916-2006/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. senat.fr
5. general catalog of BnF
6. [Source](http://www.senat.fr/senateur-4eme-republique/gouled_hassan0137r4.html)
7. [Source](http://www.senat.fr/senateur-communaute/gouled_hassan0137r4.html)
8. Sycomore
9. SNAC
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Athenaeum
12. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/world/africa/23aptidon.html)
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013