John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
President Félix Houphouët-Boigny
1st President of Côte d'Ivoire 1960-1993
Houphouët-Boigny was born in Yamoussoukro in 1905, descended from wealthy Baoule chieftains, who possessed large cocoa and coffee plantations. He practiced medicine from 1925 to 1940, and then entered government service. He was elected chairman of the African Democratic Rally in 1946. From 1956-1957, he was minister delegate, involved in forming French colonial policy. He rose to prominence during the colonial period, when he founded the multinational party Rassemblement Démocratique Africain, which advocated independence for European colonies in Africa.
In 1960, Côte d'Ivoire achieved independence from France, and Houphouët-Boigny was president of the constituent assembly. In 1959 he became prime minister of the colonial parliament, and became president of the republic in 1960.
From 1960 to 1990, he was repeatedly elected president of Côte d'Ivoire for five year terms; however, no opposition parties were legal. During this period, Côte d'Ivoire grew to be the most stable and prosperous country in West Africa, due in large part to Houphouët-Boigny's strong and politically moderate leadership, and the maintenance of strong ties to France and South Africa.
In 1990 he was elected to his seventh five-year term and for the first time with the participation of legal opposition parties. He won with 89% of the vote. After that time, he grew increasingly feeble, and died in 1993 after a lengthy illness.
In 1960, Côte d'Ivoire achieved independence from France, and Houphouët-Boigny was president of the constituent assembly. In 1959 he became prime minister of the colonial parliament, and became president of the republic in 1960.
From 1960 to 1990, he was repeatedly elected president of Côte d'Ivoire for five year terms; however, no opposition parties were legal. During this period, Côte d'Ivoire grew to be the most stable and prosperous country in West Africa, due in large part to Houphouët-Boigny's strong and politically moderate leadership, and the maintenance of strong ties to France and South Africa.
In 1990 he was elected to his seventh five-year term and for the first time with the participation of legal opposition parties. He won with 89% of the vote. After that time, he grew increasingly feeble, and died in 1993 after a lengthy illness.