Ivory coast PM Gon Coulibaly dies after falling ill at cabinet meeting
Coulibaly had been chosen as his party’s presidential candidate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ivory coast prime minister and presidential candidate Gon Coulibaly died after falling ill at a cabinet meeting in the presidential palace on Wednesday.
Gon Coulibal, 61, had returned from France where he had been receiving treatment for a heart condition. He became unwell at a weekly cabinet meeting and was taken to hospital where he later passed away.
President Alassane Ouattara said the country was in mourning and paid tribute to his “closest collaborator” in a statement published on Wednesday.
“I salute the memory of a statesman, of great loyalty, dedication and of love for the fatherland,” he added.
Couilabl, who received a heart transplant in 2012, had been chosen as the ruling party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election in October, after Mr Ouattara confirmed he would not seek a third term in office.
His death is likely to set off a scramble for power within the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party.
There is no clear-cut replacement for him in an election widely considered a test of stability for the world’s top cocoa producer.
Defence minister Hamed Bakayoko had served as interim prime minister while Gon Coulibaly was in France for two months for tests and rest.
Ouattara had designated Gon Coulibaly as the RHDP candidate in March after announcing that he himself would not seek a third term.
“It’s really a shame. He was well on his way to leading Ivory Coast as president,” said Bertin Malan, a resident in Abidjan’s Yopougon neighbourhood.
Derided by critics as uncharismatic, Gon Coulibaly rode Ouattara’s coattails to the heights of Ivorian politics.
Gon Coulibaly served as secretary-general of the presidency from 2012-17 before being appointed prime minister.
He had also served as agriculture minister under Ouattara’s predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments