Disappearance of Henri Konan Bédié: the end of an era in Ivory Coast
The death of Henri Konan Bédié, which occurred on August 1, 2023 at the age of 89, marks the end of an important chapter in the history of independent Côte d’Ivoire. Nicknamed the “sphinx” because of his impassivity and his legendary grin, Bédié leaves behind a controversial legacy and an indelible mark on the Ivorian consciousness.
Born a blood prince in 1934 in the village of Dadiekro, Bédié was the son of a cocoa farmer. His political commitment stems mainly from his desire to fight colonial domination. From his adolescence, he became familiar with the ideas of the opposition by clandestinely distributing communist newspapers. However, he claims to have fought exclusively for the emancipation of the black man, rejecting French assimilation.
After studying in France and a diplomatic career, Bédié became a loyal supporter of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of independent Côte d’Ivoire. He held several ministerial positions, notably that of Finance, during the period of the “Ivorian miracle”. His proximity to Houphouët-Boigny and his involvement in the economic development of the country make him an essential figure in Ivorian politics.
Bédié became president in 1993, following the death of Houphouët-Boigny. His mandate was marked by economic reforms but also by a rise in Ivorian nationalism. It was under his presidency that the concept of “Ivoirité” saw the light of day, an ideology aimed at excluding Ivorians with foreign origins. This policy fuels ethnic tensions and promotes a deep division within Ivorian society.
In 1999, Bédié was overthrown by a military coup, and he was forced into exile for several years. He returned in 2005 after the end of the political-military crisis, but his popularity was shaken. Despite this, he remains an essential political force, notably at the head of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), inherited from Houphouët-Boigny.
His last attempt to once again ascend to the presidency was in the 2020 election, where he faced his long-time rival, Alassane Ouattara. Although he did not win the election, Bédié continued to exert influence on Ivorian politics until the end of his life.
With the disappearance of Henri Konan Bédié, Côte d’Ivoire loses an influential and controversial political figure. His legacy, marked by economic progress but also by ethnic divisions, remains a subject of debate for Ivorians. The country is now entering a new political era, with new challenges to face and a quest for national reconciliation more pressing than ever.