Africa-Press – Angola. President Alassane Ouattara was sworn on Monday for a fourth term at the helm of Côte d’Ivoire, in a ceremony witnessed by his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço.
The Angolan Head of State was among the guests of honor at the ceremony held at the Abidjan Palace, in the Ivorian economic capital, in his dual capacity as Angolan Head of State and current pró tempore president of the African Union (AU).
The inauguration ceremony of the new Ivorian President took place under tight security measures, with the presence of several African heads of state, as well as representatives of international organizations.
This ceremony of the fifth President of Côte d’Ivoire since the country’s independence on August 7, 1960, was also attended by the Presidents of Senegal, Baciro Diomaye Faye, Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Denis Sasou Nguesso (Republic of Congo), Assoumani Azani (Comoros), Brice Oligui Nguema (Gabon), Josefh Boaki (Liberia), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), as well as Sierra Leone and current President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Joseph Boaki.
Among the former heads of state, noteworthy figures include Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan from Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana), and Mohamadou Issoufou (Niger).
The United States of America (USA) was represented by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Elberg, while France (the former colonial power) was represented by the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Yael Braun-Pivet and the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General also sent a representative at the ceremony.
Oath to the Constitution
Alassane Ouattara, 83 years old, swore an oath to the Constitution and signed the instrument of investiture before the plenary session led by the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Council, Ms Chantal Nanaba Camará.
In his inaugural address, he reinforced his campaign promises, regarding better days for the country, especially for the youth, to whom he presente a message of hope.
He thanked all citizens who fulfilled their civic duty with serenity, particularly those who voted in his favor, which he considered a continuation of his journey towards a great, ambitious, and united Côte d’Ivoire.
Alassane Ouattara, reaffirming his commitment to democracy, stability, and peace, promised to be president of all Ivorian citizens, without exception.
He said that he received the mandate with humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of duty and promised that he will be the president of all citizens, without distinction, and exclusively serving the public interest.
Before an audience composed of international dignitaries, representatives of civil society, ecclesiastical entities, traditional authorities, among others, the President promised to make Côte d’Ivoire a nation where every citizen is valued, and women and young people are active agents in development.
At the time, he also took the opportunity to thank all those who contributed to ensuring that the elections last October took place in a climate of peace and tranquility.
He also congratulated his political opponents in the presidential race, Simone Gbagbo, Ariane Lado, Jean-Louis Billon, and Awada Omelo, which according to him, due to their commitment to democracy, peace, and for their exemplary behavior during the electoral process.
The president-elect took the opportunity to honor Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country’s first president, for his wisdom, humanism, and vision for development, which continue to inspire and guide their nation.
For the Head of State, a new chapter begins in the history of his country, and with it, nothing will be unattainable for a united Côte d’Ivoire that believes in itself, adding that, together, their ideal and vision will become a reality in building a strong, ambitious and united nation.
Following the inaugural address, the Angolan and AU president, João Lourenço, greeted Alassane Ouattara, followed by other Heads of State and representatives of international organizations.
Alassane Ouattara rejoiced at the presence of several Heads of State and Government at the investiture ceremony and representatives of international organizations.
Profile
He was born in January 1942 and is an economist by profession, having worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of West African States. He was Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from November 1990 to December 1993, appointed to that position by then-President Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Alassane Ouattara was first elected President of his country in 2010, and was consecutively re-elected in the presidential elections held in 2015, 2020, and 2025.
He holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania (USA), Alassane Ouattara. He is Muslim, belongs to the Dyula ethnic group, and became president of the Rally of Republicans (RDR), a political party in Côte d’Ivoire, in 1999.
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