Andrew Skeen (Rhodesia)

Andrew Skeen (born 1906, died 1973) was a Rhodesian soldier, politician, and diplomat. He served as a Member of Parliament in Southern Rhodesia (later Rhodesia) and held several ministerial portfolios during the period leading up to and immediately following Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965.

Skeen was a career military officer before entering politics. He held various commands in the Rhodesian Army and the Federal Army of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. He retired from the military with the rank of Brigadier.

Following his retirement, Skeen entered politics and became a strong supporter of Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front party. He served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Defence at various times during the 1960s and early 1970s. He was a staunch advocate for white minority rule and opposed any moves towards majority rule.

Skeen also served as Rhodesia's accredited diplomatic representative to Portugal after UDI. This was a crucial role, as Portugal (while under the Salazar regime) was one of the few countries that maintained any form of official contact with the isolated Rhodesian government.

His political career ended in 1973 when he died in office. He is considered a significant, albeit controversial, figure in Rhodesian history, particularly for his role in the events surrounding UDI and the subsequent Rhodesian Bush War.