Ivorian Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly died Wednesday at the age of 61.
Abidjan, Ivory Coast:
Ivorian Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who was the ruling party’s candidate in the October presidential elections, died Wednesday at the age of 61, the presidency announced.
“I am deeply saddened to announce that Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, head of government, left us early this afternoon after attending a cabinet meeting,” Patrick Achi, secretary general of the Ivorian presidency.
Coulibaly returned to the West African country last week after a two-month absence in France to receive medical care for recurring heart problems.
He was announced as a candidate for President Alassane Ouattara’s party in early March after Ouattara ended months of speculation and said he would not seek a controversial third term.
“I pay tribute to my younger brother, my son Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who has been my closest collaborator for 30 years,” said Ouattara in a statement.
“I salute the memory of a statesman, a man of great loyalty, dedication and love for his homeland,” he added.
Following the closure of the Ivorian borders due to the coronavirus pandemic, Coulibaly – who underwent a heart transplant in 2012 – went to France on May 2 for medical care.
He received a stent about a week after arriving in France following an examination of his coronary arteries.
“I am back to take my place alongside the president, to continue the task of developing and building our country, Côte d’Ivoire,” said Coulibaly when he arrived at the airport in Abidjan, the main city. of the country last Thursday.
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