Alassane Ouattara 5th President of Côte d'Ivoire Flag since 11 April 2011 Date of Birth: 01.01.1942

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career in Finance
3. Prime Minister and Political Leader
4. Opposition Leader
5. 2010 Presidential Crisis
6. Inauguration and Presidency
7. National Reconciliation and Political Developments
8. 2015 and 2020 Re-Elections

Early Life and Education

Alassane Ouattarais the fifth President of Côte d'Ivoire, serving since 11 April 2011. Born in Gagnoa, Côte d'Ivoire, he earned degrees from Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Career in Finance

Before entering politics, Ouattara had a successful career in finance. He worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1984 to 1988, where he became the Director of the African Department. From 1988 to 1990, he served as Governor of the Central Bank of West African States.

Prime Minister and Political Leader

In 1990, President Félix Houphouët-Boigny appointed Ouattara as Minister for Economic Stabilization and Development. He was appointed Prime Minister on 7 November 1990. Following Houphouët-Boigny's death in 1993, Ouattara left office as Prime Minister on 9 December 1993.

Opposition Leader

In 1999, Ouattara was elected leader of the opposition party Rassemblement des Républicains (RDR). However, he was barred from running in the 2000 presidential election due to his mother's Burkinabe origin. This led to ethnic tensions in the country.

2010 Presidential Crisis

In the 2010 presidential election, Ouattara won the first round and proceeded to the second round. Despite being declared the winner, his victory was contested by incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo. The political crisis that ensued lasted until 11 April 2011, when Ouattara's forces seized control of the country, and Gbagbo was arrested.

Inauguration and Presidency

Ouattara was officially inaugurated as President of Côte d'Ivoire on 21 May 2011.He has since implemented a program of economic recovery. His policies have led to significant economic growth and improved infrastructure.

National Reconciliation and Political Developments

Ouattara has made efforts to promote national reconciliation and political dialogue. He has released political prisoners, held parliamentary elections, and overseen a political amnesty. Despite these efforts, the country remains politically divided.

2015 and 2020 Re-Elections

Ouattara was re-elected in 2015 and again in 2020. In the 2020 election, he won with 94.27% of the vote, a victory disputed by the opposition.