The day after the death of former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bédié, the nation is in mourning. The President of the Republic has decreed a ten-day national mourning to pay tribute to this emblematic figure of Ivorian politics.
This sad news also caused a stir within the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), the party founded by Bédié. Party cadres gathered to discuss the future of the party and the funeral arrangements for their former leader.
One of the main decisions taken at this meeting was to appoint Philippe Cowbly-Boni, the party’s oldest vice-president, as interim president. Aged 91, this associate of medicine and specialist in gynecology will have the difficult task of supervising the next party congress.
This congress, initially scheduled for October 19 by Henri Konan Bédié himself, raises many questions about its date. Some believe that it could be maintained, advanced or postponed depending on the circumstances. One thing is certain, this congress is of capital importance for the party, because it will allow the election of a new president and a new executive secretary.
It should be noted that Bédié did not designate a clear successor during the 29 years he led the party. This situation leaves room for much speculation as to the succession and possible divisions within the PDCI.
Alain Cocauthrey, former Minister of Industry and senator from the Gbèkè region, sheds light on this delicate question of succession within the party. According to him, it is essential to quickly put in place a new president and a new executive secretary to ensure the continuity of the party and avoid any fragmentation.
The death of Henri Konan Bédié marks the end of a political era in Côte d’Ivoire. His legacy as a kingmaker and key player on the Ivorian political scene will not be forgotten