Title: The death of Henri Konan Bédié plunges Daoukro into mourning
Introduction :
On August 1, Côte d’Ivoire lost one of its most emblematic political figures: former President Henri Konan Bédié. Victim of illness at his residence in Daoukro, he was quickly transferred to a clinic in Abidjan where he unfortunately succumbed. This death has plunged the city of Daoukro, historic stronghold of the former president, into deep mourning.
Daoukro baobab:
Henri Konan Bédié was more than just a political leader for the inhabitants of Daoukro, he was their “dad” and their “grandfather”. Nicknamed the “baobab”, it occupied a central place in the life of the community. Despite being 89 years old, his health was robust, which makes his passing all the more surprising and painful.
A unit in mourning:
In Daoukro, the ethnic tensions that marked Bédié’s mandate are set aside in the face of the collective mourning that unites the population. The differences between the Dioula, Bété and Baoulé communities are temporarily erased, because it is “our dad to all” who is gone. This unity in grief testifies to the deep attachment that the inhabitants of Daoukro had for their former president.
The historic stronghold:
Daoukro was much more than a simple residence for Henri Konan Bédié. It was his domain, his historic stronghold where he cultivated a thousand hectares of coffee, cocoa and rubber plantations. The central square of the city bore his name and it was there that the cadres of his party, the PDCI, met. His presence marked the daily life of the city, which must now face his absence.
Funeral ceremonies:
The population of Daoukro is now impatiently awaiting the announcement of the funeral ceremonies to pay their last respects to their “dad”. Henri Konan Bédié should be buried near Daoukro, in Pepressou. President Alassane Ouattara has already decreed ten days of national mourning in tribute to the former president.
Conclusion :
The disappearance of Henri Konan Bédié plunged Daoukro into deep sadness. This city, which was its historic stronghold, mourns the loss of its “baobab”. Despite ethnic differences, mourning unites the population in the same pain. The funeral ceremonies will allow everyone to pay a last tribute to the one who was more than a political leader, but a true patriarch for the community