Article: Former Head of State Henri Konan Bédié is dead: a heavyweight on the Ivorian political scene is leaving
The Ivorian political landscape is in mourning following the death of former President Henri Konan Bédié, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89. An emblematic figure of Côte d’Ivoire, Bédié leaves behind him a political heritage and a party, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), of which he was the undisputed leader. To better understand the impact of his disappearance, we interviewed Sylvain N’Guessan, political analyst and director of the Abidjan Strategy Institute.
According to Sylvain N’Guessan, Bédié leaves behind a strong PDCI, but the question of his succession now arises. The party will have to find a new leader capable of imposing itself internally and facing up to other political parties. Bédié, who was one of the “big three” on the Ivorian political scene alongside Alassane Ouattara and Laurent Gbagbo, held considerable influence until recently.
However, Bédié’s political career was marred by the debate around Ivoirité, which deeply divided the country. This concept, which sought to define Ivorian citizenship based on criteria of origin, created tensions and led to political unrest. According to N’Guessan, Bédié used Ivoirité for political purposes, although later he tried to present it as a cultural concept. Either way, this debate had major consequences for the history of Côte d’Ivoire, with eligibility restrictions and even a coup.
Despite these controversies, Bédié retained notable political influence, both within his party and on the national stage. He played a key role in the alliance that brought his political partners to power, and he was seen as a kingmaker. However, after launching Daoukro’s call to claim his turn as RHDP candidate, he finally accepted the political reality and understood that he would not be able to return to power.
The question of the future of the PDCI now arises, while the party is facing internal struggles. N’Guessan, however, remains optimistic about the party’s survival, pointing out that the PDCI has gone through several crises in the past. The party’s electorate remains strong, although some strongholds have been lost. The PDCI will therefore continue to weigh in the Ivorian political landscape.
Beyond his political career, Henri Konan Bédié was a man who aroused diverse opinions. Some recognize his role in the return to peace and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire, while others criticize his approach and his political vision. Be that as it may, his death marks the end of an era and leaves a void in the Ivorian political landscape.
In conclusion, the death of Henri Konan Bédié leaves a complex and controversial legacy. His impact on the Ivorian political scene cannot be denied, and his departure opens a new political era for Côte d’Ivoire. It remains to be seen what the future of the PDCI will be and how Ivorian politics will evolve following this major loss