Ivory Coast’s President, Alassane Ouattara, has taken the step of removing the nation’s prime minister and disbanding the government in a significant reshuffle within the West African country.
Prime Minister Patrick Achi, along with the government members, is being relieved of their positions as President Ouattara exercises his constitutional authority, as stated by the presidency’s secretary-general, Abdourahmane Cissé, in an official statement. This change follows a series of shifts in Ivory Coast’s leadership, as the country prepares for a crucial election in 2025. Since 2020, Ivory Coast has seen three different prime ministers. Patrick Achi assumed office after the passing of Hamed Bakayoko, who succumbed to cancer in March 2021. Bakayoko’s predecessor also passed away during their term due to illness.
Cissé noted, “The president expresses his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and to all members of the government for their dedication to serving the nation over the past years.” The outgoing officials will remain in their roles until later this month when a new government is to be established.