Born on 5 July 1951 at Ndokagnak, Erik ESSOUSSE hails from Yingui Sub-division in the Nkam Division, Littoral Region, Republic of Cameroon.
After university studies, Erik ESSOUSSE obtained a Degree in History at the University of Yaounde, in 1976, a postgraduate diploma in Histoire des Relations Internationales at Université de Paris Sorbone I in 1978, a Diplôme d'Etudes Approfonndies en Relations Internationales de l'Université de Paris Sorbone I in 1979. In 1982, he obtained a postgraduate doctorate in International Relations at Université de Paris Sorbone II in 1982, and later a Diplôme de l'Institut des Hautes Etudes Internationales at Université de Paris.
Prior to his appointment in December 2008 as Deputy Director General of Elections, and in 2018 Director General of Elections, Dr Erik ESSOUSSE had held top administrative positions:
- Service Head for Civil Liberties, 1983;
- Sub-Director of Civil Liberties in the Ministry of Territorial Administration, 1985;
- Deputy Director of Political Affairs in the Ministry of Territorial Administration, 1990;
- Sub-Director of Elections, Ministry of Territorial Administration,1996;
- Attaché at the Secretariat General, Prime Minister’s Office, 1998;
- Chargé de Mission, Prime Minister’s Office, 2005
Lecturer at the Advanced National School of Administration and Magistracy, Dr Erik ESSOUSSE is co-author of the book, "Informatisation des Processus Electoraux en Afrique", published by l'Harmattan in 2004. He is also author of the book, "Liberté de la Presse Ecrite au Cameroun en 2008", published by l'Harmattan in 2006.
In terms of distinctions, the Director General of Elections is holder of:
- National Merit of Valour;
- Officer of Valour;
- Knight of Valour;
- Commander of Valour, 2006;
- Grand Cordon, 2010.
