# Maurice Yaméogo > Burkina Faso President (1921-1993) **Wikidata**: [Q442765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q442765) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Yaméogo) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maurice-yameogo ## Summary Maurice Yaméogo was the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta (later renamed Burkina Faso), serving from 1958 to 1960. He was a key political figure in the country's transition from French colonial rule to independence, establishing the nation's early governance framework. ## Biography - Born: 1921-12-31 (December 31, 1921) - Nationality: Burkina Faso (citizenship: Burkina Faso and France) - Education: Attended educational institutions (specific institution not fully detailed in source material) - Known for: Serving as the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta (1958-1960) - Employer(s): Government of the Republic of Upper Volta (served as statesperson and politician) - Field(s): Politics, governance, state leadership ## Contributions Maurice Yaméogo made significant contributions as the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta, leading the nation through its early years of independence from France. He established the foundational governance structures and political framework for the newly independent state. His leadership marked the transition from colonial administration to self-governance, setting the stage for subsequent political developments in the country. ## FAQs **What was Maurice Yaméogo's role in the Republic of Upper Volta?** He served as the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta from 1958 to 1960, leading the nation during its early years of independence from France. **When did Maurice Yaméogo die?** Maurice Yaméogo died on September 15, 1993. **What was Maurice Yaméogo's citizenship?** He held citizenship in both Burkina Faso and France. **What was Maurice Yaméogo's educational background?** He attended educational institutions, though specific details about his academic qualifications are not fully provided in the source material. **What was Maurice Yaméogo's position before becoming President?** The source material indicates he served as a statesperson and politician before becoming the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta. ## Why They Matter Maurice Yaméogo's significance lies in his role as the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta, establishing the nation's early governance framework during its transition from French colonial rule to independence. His leadership marked a pivotal moment in Burkina Faso's history, setting the foundation for subsequent political developments and institutional structures that would shape the country's trajectory. Without his early leadership, the nation's initial political trajectory might have been different, potentially affecting the development of its institutions and the eventual transformation into Burkina Faso under Thomas Sankara. ## Notable For - Served as the first President of the Republic of Upper Volta (1958-1960) - Led the nation's transition from French colonial rule to independence - Established foundational governance structures for the newly independent state - Was the first head of state in the country's history - Represented the initial phase of Burkinabé political development ## Body ### Early Life and Background Maurice Yaméogo was born on December 31, 1921. The source material indicates he held dual citizenship in Burkina Faso and France. His early life and background are not extensively detailed in the provided source material, though his educational background is noted as having attended institutions (specific details are not fully provided). ### Political Career Yaméogo's political career began as a statesperson and politician in the Republic of Upper Volta. He rose to prominence and became the first President of the country, serving from 1958 to 1960. This period marked the nation's transition from French colonial administration to independence on August 5, 1960. ### Presidency and Leadership As the first President, Yaméogo played a crucial role in establishing the governance framework for the newly independent Republic of Upper Volta. His leadership focused on maintaining stability during the transition period and implementing policies that would support the nation's development. The source material indicates he served as a statesperson and politician throughout his career. ### Later Years and Legacy After his initial term as President, Yaméogo continued to be involved in Burkinabé politics. He died on September 15, 1993. His legacy as the first head of state of the Republic of Upper Volta established important precedents for subsequent political leadership in the country. ### Institutional Contributions During his presidency, Yaméogo worked to develop the nation's administrative structures and political institutions. While specific policies and legislative achievements are not detailed in the source material, his role as the first leader established important foundations for the country's political development. ### Relationship with Successors Yaméogo's presidency preceded the series of military coups and political transitions that characterized the Republic of Upper Volta's later history, including the eventual renaming of the country to Burkina Faso in 1984 under President Thomas Sankara. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/maurice-yameogo-1921-1993/) 2. BnF authorities 3. BlackPast.org 4. general catalog of BnF 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. SNAC 7. Munzinger Personen 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013