Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has taken a significant step in the country’s political landscape by dismissing Prime Minister Patrick Achi and announcing plans for the formation of a new government. This move comes two years ahead of the scheduled presidential elections.
President Ouattara’s decision to remove Prime Minister Patrick Achi and dissolve the existing government was formalized through a decree. The presidential secretary general, Abdourahmane Cisse, read a statement expressing Ouattara’s gratitude to the outgoing prime minister and the government members for their service to the nation during the past years.
The decision had been anticipated in recent days, as President Ouattara had informed members of the government about an impending reshuffle during their last cabinet meeting on September 28.
Patrick Achi assumed the role of prime minister in March 2021, following the unfortunate passing of his predecessor, Hamed Bakayoko, due to cancer. Bakayoko had, in turn, succeeded Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who passed away unexpectedly the previous year.
A notable point in Achi’s political career was his resignation in April 2022, only to be swiftly reappointed to his position in a subsequent reshuffle. His strong performance in local elections held last month in his southern region, Me, reinforced his political standing.
The ruling party, Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), demonstrated its dominance by securing 60 percent of municipalities and 80 percent of regions in the September elections. This victory positions RHDP as the frontrunner for the 2025 elections.
As of now, President Alassane Ouattara has not officially announced whether he intends to run for a fourth term. His decision, once revealed, will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape of Ivory Coast.
