ALASSANE QUATTARA

Alassane Ouattara was born on January 1, 1942, in Dimbokro, a town in what was then French West Africa. He hails from a lineage that traces back to the Muslim rulers of the Kong Empire, now part of Burkina Faso. As a member of the Dyula ethnic group and a devout Muslim, Ouattara's early life was shaped by a rich cultural heritage. His academic journey took him to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Drexel University in 1965. He continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a master's degree in economics in 1967 and a Ph.D. in 1972.

Ouattara's professional career began in the world of international finance, where he quickly established himself as a highly skilled economist. He started with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., and later held various significant positions at the West African Central Bank (BCEAO), including that of Governor. His reputation as a hardworking advocate for transparency and good governance grew during this time.

In 1990, Ouattara's expertise was called upon by Ivorian President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who appointed him as Prime Minister to help stabilize the country’s economy. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to take on presidential duties as Houphouët-Boigny’s health declined, leading to a power struggle after the president's death in 1993. Ouattara ultimately stepped down and returned to the IMF, serving as Deputy Managing Director until 1999.

Ouattara’s political journey was fraught with challenges. In the mid-1990s, new electoral laws effectively barred him from running for president, leading to his party’s boycott of the 1995 elections. After leaving the IMF, Ouattara became the leader of the Rally of the Republicans (RDR), but continued to face obstacles, including accusations of falsifying nationality papers. These controversies contributed to the tensions that sparked the First Ivorian Civil War in 2002.

Despite these challenges, Ouattara remained a key political figure and was the RDR’s candidate for future presidential elections. The long-delayed 2010 presidential election became a turning point in his career. Preliminary results showed him as the winner, but the ruling party contested this outcome, leading to a constitutional crisis. Both Ouattara and incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo claimed victory, leading to a violent conflict that drew international attention. With the backing of the African Union and the United Nations, Ouattara was eventually recognized as the legitimate president, and Gbagbo was captured in April 2011.

Ouattara’s presidency has seen its share of triumphs and controversies. In 2012, he dissolved his government amid a dispute over a new marriage law, showcasing his firm stance on progressive reforms. His re-election in 2015 was a landslide victory, reflecting widespread support for his leadership. However, the 2020 presidential election was mired in controversy. After the death of his chosen successor, Ouattara decided to run for a third term, a move that was legally contested but ultimately approved by the Constitutional Court. The election was boycotted by much of the opposition, but Ouattara secured re-election with a significant majority.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alassane_Ouattara