CASSAM UTEEM

Cassam Uteem, born on 22 March 1941 in Port Louis, Mauritius, emerged as a prominent figure in Mauritian politics and international diplomacy. He began his education at the Royal College Port Louis and later pursued studies in France, where he graduated from Paris VII University with a bachelor’s degree in Arts and a master’s degree in Psychology. He also obtained a Certificate in Social Work from the University of Mauritius and earned a specialized French diploma in social services.

With ancestral roots tracing back to Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, India, Uteem has embraced his heritage while dedicating his life to public service. He married Zohra Jahangeer, with whom he had three children, Reza, Dilshaad, and Oomar, who sadly passed away in 2007. The couple has been blessed with a large family, including ten grandchildren.

Uteem’s political journey began in the 1960s as a community-focused youth leader and social worker during the late colonial period. He quickly became a leading voice in the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), a progressive party committed to social justice and independence. His political career took root when he was elected as a city councillor in Port Louis in 1969, eventually rising to serve as the Lord Mayor in 1986.

In national politics, Uteem was first elected to the Mauritian Legislative Assembly in 1976 and subsequently re-elected in 1982, 1983, 1987, and 1991. His leadership roles included Minister of Employment, Social Security, and National Solidarity, and in 1990 he became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Industrial Technology. Known for his principles, Uteem also held key positions in the opposition, serving as the Opposition Whip and chairing the Public Accounts Committee.

In 1992, following Mauritius’s transition to a republic, Uteem was appointed the country’s second President, succeeding the interim presidency of Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo. Uteem served with distinction, but in 2002, he made a defining decision by resigning from office after refusing to endorse a controversial anti-terrorism bill. His stance underscored his commitment to civil rights and constitutional integrity.

Uteem’s influence extended beyond Mauritius. In 2014, he was appointed by the United Nations as the Special Envoy to oversee electoral integrity in Burundi, and he was also elected President of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, a global anti-poverty organization. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Global Leadership Foundation, contributing to international efforts in support of democratic governance and conflict resolution.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassam_Uteem