# Hubert Maga > first president of Benin (1916-2000) **Wikidata**: [Q336242](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336242) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubert_Maga) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hubert-maga ## Summary Hubert Maga was born on August 10, 1916, in Parakou[1][2][3][4] and died on May 8, 2000, in Cotonou[1][2][3][4]. He held citizenship in both Benin and France[2]. He was educated at the École normale supérieure William Ponty[4]. Over his career, he worked as a politician, diplomat, school teacher, and minister[2][5]. He received the anniversary medal at the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Empire.He served as Prime Minister of Benin from 1959 to 1960[1][2][4]. Prior to that, he was a member of the French National Assembly from 1951 to 1955[1][2][4]. He later held the office of President of Dahomey during two separate periods, first from 1960 to 1963 and again from 1970 to 1972[1][2][4]. ## Summary Hubert Maga was a Beninese politician and diplomat who served as the first president of the Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey) following its independence from France. Born in 1916 and passing away in 2000, he was a key figure in the nation's early political history, having been educated at the École normale supérieure William Ponty. His career spanned roles as a school teacher, minister, and head of state, marking him as a foundational leader in West African sovereignty. ## Biography - **Born:** August 10, 1916 - **Nationality:** Beninese (also held French citizenship during the colonial era) - **Education:** École normale supérieure William Ponty (inception: 1903) - **Known for:** Serving as the first President of Benin (Dahomey) - **Employer(s):** Government of Dahomey/Benin; École normale supérieure William Ponty (as an alumnus and likely early career affiliate); French colonial administration (implied by citizenship and education context) - **Field(s):** Politics, Diplomacy, Education (School Teacher) ## Contributions The provided source material does not list specific publications, patents, companies founded, or technical standards created by Hubert Maga. His primary documented contribution is his political leadership as the first President of Benin, a role that established the initial governance structure for the newly independent nation. He also served in various ministerial capacities and as a diplomat, contributing to the country's transition from French colonial rule to sovereignty. ## FAQs **What was Hubert Maga's primary role in Benin's history?** Hubert Maga is best known for serving as the first President of Benin, leading the nation shortly after it gained independence from France in 1960. His leadership marked the beginning of the country's era as a sovereign republic. **Where did Hubert Maga receive his education?** He was educated at the École normale supérieure William Ponty, a prominent normal school established in 1903. This institution trained many of the region's early administrators and teachers. **What professions did Hubert Maga hold before becoming president?** Before assuming the presidency, Maga worked as a school teacher and served in various government roles, including as a minister and diplomat. These positions prepared him for his eventual leadership of the state. **When was Hubert Maga born and when did he die?** Hubert Maga was born on August 10, 1916. He passed away on May 8, 2000, though some records also list a date of May 8, 2002. ## Why They Matter Hubert Maga matters as the inaugural head of state for Benin, a figure who guided the nation through its critical transition from the French colony of Dahomey to an independent republic. His tenure set the precedent for the country's political structure and its integration into the international community as a sovereign entity. Without his leadership during this formative period, the early trajectory of Benin's national identity and diplomatic relations might have taken a significantly different path. ## Notable For - **First President:** Being the first person to hold the office of President of Benin (Dahomey). - **Independence Era:** Leading the nation during the immediate post-independence period following August 1, 1960. - **Educational Background:** Being an alumnus of the École normale supérieure William Ponty, a key institution for West African leadership. - **Political Versatility:** Serving in multiple capacities including school teacher, minister, diplomat, and head of state. - **Longevity:** Living through the entire 20th century, from 1916 to 2000. - **National Identity:** Playing a central role in the early definition of the Republic of Benin's political landscape. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Hubert Maga was born on August 10, 1916. He was a citizen of both Benin and France, reflecting the colonial context of his early life. His formal education took place at the École normale supérieure William Ponty, a normal school that began operations in 1903. This institution was instrumental in training the administrative and educational elite of French West Africa. Maga's background in education led to his early career as a school teacher, a profession that often served as a stepping stone to political leadership in the region. ### Political Career and Leadership Maga's political ascent culminated in his role as the first President of Benin. Following the independence of Dahomey (now Benin) on August 1, 1960, Maga assumed the presidency, becoming the nation's first head of state. His tenure was a defining moment in the country's history, marking the shift from colonial rule to self-governance. Prior to the presidency, he held significant positions as a minister and a diplomat, contributing to the diplomatic and administrative frameworks of the new nation. His career exemplifies the transition of African leaders from colonial educators to national leaders. ### Personal Details and Legacy Hubert Maga passed away on May 8, 2000, though some data sources also reference May 8, 2002, as a potential date of death. He is identified in various international databases with unique identifiers, including Wikidata ID Q1314641557 and other catalog numbers such as 256829879 and 1314641557. His legacy is preserved in historical records as a foundational figure of Beninese sovereignty. The country he helped lead, Benin, is a sovereign state in West Africa with its capital in Porto-Novo and seat of government in Cotonou, having gained independence from France in 1960. ### International Context Maga's life and career were deeply intertwined with the geopolitical shifts of West Africa. Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is bordered by Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo, and faces the Atlantic Ocean. The nation operates as a republic with French as its official language. Maga's leadership occurred during a time when the region was undergoing significant decolonization and political restructuring. His work as a diplomat and president helped establish Benin's relationships with international bodies and neighboring states, contributing to the stability and development of the Gulf of Guinea region. ## References 1. Sycomore 2. Dictionary of African Biography 3. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/hubert-maga-1916-2000/) 4. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa 5. [Source](https://sgg.gouv.bj/doc/decret-1962-259) 6. Munzinger Personen 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Virtual International Authority File