Henri Konan Bédié, the former president of Ivory Coast who held power from 1993 to 1999, passed away at the age of 89 in Abidjan, the country’s largest city. Known as the “Sphinx of Daoukro” due to his quiet confidence and behind-the-scenes influence, Bédié played a significant role in Ivorian politics for over six decades since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
After completing his law degree at Poitiers University in France, Bédié served as Ivory Coast’s first ambassador to the United States and Canada, presenting his credentials to President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the age of 26. He later returned home and held various positions, including overseeing the country’s economic and financial affairs and serving as president of the National Assembly. Under his leadership, Ivory Coast became a leading agricultural exporter and experienced political stability, with per capita annual income growing from $70 in 1960 to $610 in 1988.
Following the death of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny in 1993, Bédié assumed the role of interim president. In his quest to solidify his power, he implemented laws that marginalized opposition figures, such as Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, through restrictions on candidacy based on parentage and residency. These laws were rooted in Bédié’s concept of “ivoirité,” which aimed to promote unity but was criticized for fostering division among the country’s Muslim-majority north.
Amidst public frustration and allegations surrounding his own eligibility, Bédié faced a coup in December 1999, leading him to seek refuge in Togo and Paris. However, he returned to Ivory Coast in 2002 and became a prominent opposition leader against Gen. Robert Guéï, his military-appointed successor. His divisive rhetoric contributed to a prolonged civil war and a power struggle between Alassane Ouattara and Laurent Gbagbo.
In the 2010 presidential elections, Bédié supported Ouattara, leading to his victory and triggering a second civil war. Although Bédié continued to wield significant influence in Ivorian politics, his own presidential campaigns in 2020 yielded minimal results. At the time of his passing, Bédié was reportedly considering another presidential run in 2025.
Born on May 5, 1934, in Dadiékro, Ivory Coast, Bédié came from a modest background of cocoa farmers. Despite limited financial resources, he excelled academically and received a scholarship to study in France. Bédié earned a law degree in 1958 and a doctorate in economics in 1969. Prior to his political career, he played a key role in preparing Ivory Coast for independence and also worked in the French diplomatic service.
Bédié is survived by his wife, Henriette Koizan Bomo, and their four children.
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