Following the death of former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bédié, Côte d’Ivoire is plunged into national mourning. The President of the Republic has decreed a ten-day mourning to pay tribute to the man who marked the political history of the country for many years.
Henri Konan Bédié, nicknamed the “Sphinx of Daoukro”, was a key player in Ivorian political life. He led the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) for almost three decades and served as President of the Republic from 1993 to 1999.
Following his death, the executives of the PDCI met to discuss the future of the party and the organization of the funeral of their former leader. One of the key decisions taken at this meeting is the appointment of Philippe Cowbly-Boni as the party’s new interim president. At 91, this associate of medicine and specialist in gynecology will be responsible for overseeing the next congress of the PDCI, which aims to elect a new president.
The date of this congress, initially set for October 19 by Henri Konan Bédié, is currently subject to discussion. Some voices wonder about the possibility of the party breaking up, as the stakes of this congress are so important. The statutes of the PDCI stipulate that the interim president can only remain in office for a maximum of six months. Thus, the main objective now is to put in place a new president and a new executive secretary.
The succession of Henri Konan Bédié is a delicate subject, because he has not clearly designated a political dolphin. The question of who will take the reins of the party and its political vision for the years to come is therefore crucial for the PDCI.
In this context, Alain Cocauthrey, former Minister of Industry, senator for the Gbèkè region and president of the PDCI-RDA parliamentary group in the Senate, sheds light on the possible succession scenarios.
It is important to emphasize that the death of Henri Konan Bédié marks the end of a political era in Côte d’Ivoire. His legacy and political influence will live on for years to come. The country is now preparing to pay his last respects during the funeral which will take place in Daoukro, his birthplace.
In conclusion, the disappearance of Henri Konan Bédié leaves a great void in Ivorian political life. The PDCI is facing major challenges in its quest for stability and unity. The designation of a new president and the preparation of the next congress will be crucial steps for the future of the party