Espionnage et empoisonnement : l’assassinat politique d’un militant Africain | DÉTERRE

RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse・2 minutes read

Félix Moumié, a Cameroonian independence activist, was tragically poisoned with thallium in Geneva in 1960 by suspected French agent William Bechtel, leading to his death and a mysterious legacy that continues to intrigue. The poisoning of Moumié by Bechtel, a reservist and alleged spy, remains a haunting event symbolizing the complex political struggles of the time.

Insights

  • Félix Moumié, a Cameroonian independence fighter, was tragically poisoned in Geneva in 1960 at a young age of 35, sparking a mystery that remains unsolved and sheds light on the dangers faced by those fighting against colonial powers.
  • William Bechtel, a suspected French agent, poisoned Moumié with thallium, a lethal metal, in a calculated act that led to Moumié's death, showcasing the extreme measures taken to suppress movements advocating for African independence during that tumultuous period.

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  • Who was Félix Moumié?

    A Cameroonian independence fighter poisoned in Geneva.

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Summary

00:00

Tragic Poisoning of Félix Moumié in Geneva

  • Félix Moumié, a Cameroonian man, was poisoned in Geneva in 1960 at the age of 35, changing his destiny.
  • Born in 1925 in Cameroon, Moumié studied in Congo and Senegal, working as a servant to pay for his studies.
  • Moumié joined the Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) in 1948, aiming for independence from French and English colonists.
  • The UPC was banned in 1955, leading to violence and the dissolution of the party, forcing Moumié and his wife Marthe into exile in Guinea.
  • In 1960, Moumié traveled to Switzerland to discuss his political fight, where he was poisoned by William Bechtel, a suspected French agent.
  • Moumié was poisoned with thallium, a deadly metal, at a restaurant in Geneva, leading to his death.
  • Thallium is a potent poison that attacks various organs and systems, with just one gram being lethal.
  • Bechtel, a chemical engineer and French reservist, was suspected of poisoning Moumié, leading to Moumié's tragic demise.
  • Moumié's wife, Marthe, faced challenges in reaching her husband in Geneva, experiencing a heartbreaking wait before his death.
  • The poisoning of Félix Moumié remains a tragic and mysterious event, highlighting the complex political landscape of the time.

12:10

Espionage, Intrigue, and African Independence: The Bechtel Case

  • William Bechtel, a reservist, worked as a secret agent following individuals supporting African independence movements, all targeted by the Red Hand, a group linked to the French secret services.
  • Bechtel lived in Chêne-Bourg, with a practical house layout for a secret agent, having entrances on both sides of the street near the Moillesullaz customs.
  • Bechtel was present at Moumié's last meal, leading to a police search of his home after fifteen days, where incriminating evidence of spying and plans for killings were found.
  • Bechtel became the prime suspect, disappeared, and was later arrested in Belgium, extradited to Switzerland for trial.
  • Bechtel was defended by lawyer Marc Bonnant, who successfully argued against his involvement in Moumié's poisoning, leading to the case being dismissed.
  • The Red Hand, an organization linked to the Moumié case, was known for eliminating African independence leaders, with Liliane playing a mysterious role in warning Bechtel.
  • Félix Moumié's body was repatriated to Cameroon after his death in Geneva, but in 2005, his coffin was found disturbed in the cemetery, raising questions about the events surrounding his burial.
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