The death of billionaire, André Sohaing

Cameroonian billionaire, André Sohaing, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, in Douala, as informed by some media sources.

The owner of the Akwa Palace Hotel was also Mayor of Bayangam municipality, West Cameroon, for almost 20 years.

Like many entrepreneurs who believe that, to have a successful business in Cameroon, one has to indulge in politics. Thus, Sohaing André was a member of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling party.

It was his dedication towards the party that enabled him ran for the position of a Mayor in Bayangam, his home district in the department of Chi Kung western Cameroon. He ruled the town since 1997.

André Sohaing own the Akwa Palace Hotel in the economic capital as well as many other lands and assets in Douala. He is estimated to own at least half of the commercial center of the city.

He lost one of his sons in 2011, William Kevin Sohaing Nem (35), who fell from the 12th floor of his hotel.

Sohaing was an absolute supporter of Paul Biya and the CPDM. André Sohaing requested in 2014 that, "God should grant hundred more years to President Biya".

He was regularly mentioned in the top 10 list of the richest men in Cameroon.