Title: “The surprise appointment of the new Prime Minister in Côte d’Ivoire: A minimum reshuffle”
Introduction :
The Ivorian political landscape was shaken by the unexpected appointment of Robert Beugré Mambé as Prime Minister. This decision sparked numerous reactions and questions in the Ivorian and Burkinabe press. While the composition of the new executive presents few changes and was described as a “minimum reshuffle” by Jeune Afrique, one aspect particularly attracted attention: Robert Beugré Mambé, in addition to being Prime Minister, sees himself also attribute the Ministry of Sports. An unprecedented situation which questions the motivations and objectives of President Ouattara. In this article, we will analyze the implications of this appointment and the issues surrounding it.
The accumulation of ministerial functions: a first in Ivory Coast
The choice of Robert Beugré Mambé as Prime Minister raises questions, in particular because of the accumulation of ministerial functions, including that of Sports. If this practice is common to see a Prime Minister combine sovereign functions such as Defense, Finance or Foreign Affairs, the fact of adding the Ministry of Sports is a first in Côte d’Ivoire and even in Africa, giving rise to a some perplexity. As the Burkinabè Observer points out, this decision is both surprising and unprecedented, but can be interpreted as a desire to mobilize all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the next African Cup of Nations, which will be held in the country in three months.
The clear objective: to succeed in the African Cup of Nations
It is obvious for Alassane Ouattara that the success of the next African Cup of Nations is a major issue for Ivory Coast. By entrusting the Sports portfolio to Robert Beugré Mambé, who has already proven his know-how during the organization of the French-speaking games in 2017, the president shows his determination to use all means to ensure that this major sporting event is a real success. As the daily Wakat-séra points out, this “pruning” of the government team and the reappointment of certain members can be interpreted as a strategy aimed at maintaining continuity and capitalizing on achievements to achieve the set objective.
Ousmane Sonko’s hunger strike: a cry of protest against the “dictatorship” in Senegal
While the appointment of Robert Beugré Mambé is attracting attention in Ivory Coast, another piece of news is making headlines in Senegal. Ousmane Sonko, leader of the opposition, began a new hunger strike to protest against his arrest and that of other opponents, denouncing a “dictatorship” on the part of President Macky Sall. His gesture is seen as an act of solidarity with the “unjustly arrested patriots” and as a call for resistance. Sonko’s situation sparks numerous debates and questions the state of democracy in Senegal.
The Franco-Chadian relationship: an in-depth examination during the presidential visit
Finally, the Chadian press highlights the relationship between France and Chad, which is currently in a phase of deep questioning. The visit of the president of the transition, Mahamat Idriss Deby, to Paris, offers the opportunity to rethink the bilateral partnership in the changing Sahelian context. Security and economic issues will be at the heart of the discussions between Mahamat Idriss Deby and Emmanuel Macron, and this meeting will be an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of a solid and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Conclusion :
The appointment of Robert Beugré Mambé as Prime Minister in Côte d’Ivoire and the accumulation of ministerial functions, notably the Ministry of Sports, caused a media shock wave. While President Ouattara aims for the success of the African Cup of Nations and mobilizes all the necessary resources, Ousmane Sonko, in Senegal, demonstrates his protest against the “dictatorship” by starting a hunger strike. Meanwhile, the Franco-Chadian relationship is under scrutiny during the transition president’s visit to Paris. The news of recent days illustrates the diversity of political and social issues in Africa.