Côte d'Ivoire: tributes multiply after the death of former president Henri Konan Bédié

Former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bédié died at the age of 89 in a private hospital in Abidjan on August 1, 2023. In the aftermath of his death, tributes, especially political tributes, multiplied.

[Illustrative image] Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara (right) paid tribute to his predecessor Henri Konan Bédié (left), the day after his death on August 1, 2023. AFP - ISSOUF SANOGO

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With the death of Henri Konan Bédié, it is the disappearance of a pillar of the Ivorian political scene. The former head of state died on August 1, 2023 at the age of 89. Until the end, the "Sphinx of Daoukro" marked the socio-political life of his country.

Tributes rain down on social networks and the Ivorian internet sphere. "Thank you, President Bédié!" say some, who consider the former president as one of the architects of the post-independence Ivorian economic miracle and the return of stability in the country.

Rest in peace 🙏🏿 President Henri Konan Bedié.
May the earth be light to you.
Great statesman.#PDCIRDA#CIV225 pic.twitter.com/RtFnIQtgqD

— Ousmane Soro (@Le_Sachant) August 2, 2023

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Goodbye Daddy!" say the others for whom Henri Konan Bédié had almost become a member of their family, as he marked local life, by his political longevity.

Many tributes in pictures too: many Internet users emerge from the photos and portraits, retracing the course of the "Ivorian dinosaur".

Portraits displaying him with his inseparable Mao collar suits and cigars, whatever the eras.

Many photos also with his wife Henriette, to whom Internet users give their support.

00:47

Justin Koné Katinan, spokesperson of the African People's Party – Côte d'Ivoire

Gwendal Lavina

The Ivorian presidency reacted to this disappearance at midday, on Wednesday. In a statement read by its Secretary-General, the country's president, Alassane Ouattara, "pays tribute to his elder, great servant of the State, political personality of the first rank and faithful companion of the father of the Ivorian nation Félix Houphouët-Boigny".

The Ivorian head of state "salutes the memory of a great statesman who had a deep love for his country, and who served with dedication all the positions he held".

00:59

Alain Cocauthrey, Senator of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire

Sébastien Németh

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• Ivory Coast
• Politics of Côte d'Ivoire
• Henri Konan Bédié