Félix Houphouët-Boigny

**Félix Houphouët-Boigny** (French: [feliks ufwɛ(t) bwaɲi]; 18 October 1905&nbsp;– 7 December 1993), dem affectionately call **Papa Houphouët** anaa **Le Vieux** ("De Old One"), na he be an Ivorian politician den physician wey serve as de first presido of Ivory Coast from 1960 til ein death insyd 1993. A tribal chief, na he work as a medical aide, union leader, den planter before na dem elect am to de French Parliament insyd 1945. Na he serve insyd chaw ministerial positions within de Government of France before he lead Ivory Coast following independence insyd 1960. Thru out ein life, na he play a significant role insyd politics den de decolonisation of Africa.

Under Houphouët-Boigny ein politically moderate leadership, na Ivory Coast prosper economically. Dis success, uncommon insyd poverty-ridden West Africa, cam be known as de "Ivorian miracle"; na e be secof a combination of sound planning, de maintenance of strong ties plus de West (particularly France) den development of de country ein significant coffee den cocoa industries. However, na reliance on de agricultural sector cause difficulties insyd 1980, after a sharp drop insyd de prices of coffee den cocoa.

Thru out ein presidency, na Houphouët-Boigny maintain a close relationship plus France, a policy dem know as Françafrique, wey na he build a close friendship plus Jacques Foccart, de chief adviser on African policy insyd de administrations of Charles de Gaulle den Georges Pompidou. Na he aid de conspirators wey oust Kwame Nkrumah from power insyd Ghana insyd 1966, na he take part insyd de failed coup against Mathieu Kérékou insyd Benin insyd 1977, na he be suspected of involvement insyd de 1987 coup d'état wey remove Thomas Sankara from power insyd Burkina Faso wey na he provide assistance to UNITA, a United States-supported, anti-communist rebel movement wey Jonas Savimbi lead insyd Angola. Na Houphouët-Boigny maintain a strong anti-communist foreign policy, wich result in, among oda things, he severe diplomatic relations plus de Soviet Union insyd 1969 (after na first he establish relations insyd 1967) wey he refuse to recognise de People's Republic of China til 1983. Na he re-establish relations plus de Soviet Union insyd 1986.

Insyd de West, na Houphouët-Boigny commonly be known as de "Sage of Africa" anaa de "Grand Old Man of Africa". Na Houphouët-Boigny move de country ein capital from Abidjan to ein hometown of Yamoussoukro wey na he build de world ein largest church der, de Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, at a cost of US$300&nbsp;million. At de time of ein death, na he be de longest-serving leader insyd Africa ein history den de third longest-serving leader insyd de world after Fidel Castro of Cuba den Kim Il Sung of North Korea. Insyd 1989, na UNESCO create de Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize for de "safeguarding, maintaining den seeking of peace". After ein death, na conditions insyd Ivory Coast quickly deteriorate. Between 1994 den 2002, na der be a number of coups, a devaluation of de CFA franc den an economic recession; na a civil war begin insyd 2002.

## Early life

### Birth, kiddie time den education
According to ein official biography, na dem probably born Houphouët-Boigny on 18 October 1905, insyd Yamoussoukro to a family of hereditary chiefs of de Baoulé people. Unofficial accounts, however, place ein birth date up to seven years earlier. Born into de animist Akouès tribe, na dem name am Dia Houphouët: ein first name *Dia* dey mean "prophet" anaa "magician". Na ein poppie be N'Doli Houphouët. Na Dia Houphouët be de great-nephew thru ein his mommie of Queen Yamousso den de village chief, Kouassi N'Go. Wen na dem murder N'Go insyd 1910, na dem name Dia make he succeed am as chief. Secof ein young age, na ein step poppie Gbro Diby rule as regent til Dia cam of age; na Dia ein poppie already die.

Houphouët-Boigny come from family wey be tribal chiefs through ein mommie, Kimou N'Dri (wey dem too dey call N'Dri Kan). She die later insyd 1936. Dem still get doubt about who ein poppie be, N'Doli. Officially, dem talk say he from de N'Zipri of Didiévi tribe. N'Doli Houphouët die shortly after ein pikin Augustin born, but no reliable info dey about how or when he die. Houphouët-Boigny get two big sisters, Faitai (1898?–1998) den Adjoua (wey die 1987), plus one small bro Augustin (wey die 1939).     

De French colonial people recognize tribal leaders; dem arrange make Houphouët go school for de military post for Bonzi, near ein village, so dem fit prepare am as future leader, even though ein family people, especially ein great-aunt Queen Yamousso, no gree. Insyd 1915, dem transfer am go école primaire supérieure (secondary) for Bingerville even though ein family no want make he go boarding school. That same year for Bingerville, Houphouët turn Christian; he see am as modern religion wey go stop Islam from spreading. He choose de name Félix as ein Christian name.     

Houphouët come first for ein class, so dem accept am enter École normale supérieure William Ponty for 1919, wey he take earn teaching certificate. Insyd 1921, he go École de médecine de l’AOF (French West Africa School of Medicine) insyd French Senegal, wey he come first again for 1925 den qualify as medical assistant. But as he no finish de full medical training, he fit only qualify as *médecin africain* — doctor wey dem no dey pay well.            

### Medical career
On 26 October 1925, Houphouët start ein work as doctor ein assistant for hospital insyd Abidjan. There, he form one association for indigenous medical workers.  But dis move no last, as de colonial authorities see am like trade union, so dem no like am. Because of dis, dem transfer am go smaller hospital for Guiglo on 27 April 1927. But after he show say he get real talent, dem promote am on 17 September 1929 go position for Abengourou — place wey before now dem dey keep for Europeans only. Insyd Abengourou, Houphouët see how colonial people dey treat de local cocoa farmers bad.  

Insyd 1932, Houphouët decide say e go take action. He lead one farmers' movement wey go against de powerful white landowners but support de colonial government demma economic policy, since e favour de farmers. On 22 December, he publish one article for de Ivorian socialist newspaper *Trait d’union* wey e call "On nous a trop volés" (Dem don thief from we too much), but he use pseudonym take write am.   

De next year, ein tribe call am make he come take over as village chief. But as he prefer to continue ein medical work, he give de position to ein younger brother Augustin. As he want stay closer to ein village, he get transfer go Dimbokro on 3 February 1934, den again go Toumodi on 28 June 1936. Even though he dey show professional behaviour, some people around am no dey comfortable with ein attitude. So by September 1938, ein clinical director tell am make he choose between ein work as doctor and ein political involvement. But e no take long — ein brother die for 1939, so Houphouët become *chef de canton* (post wey de colonial government create to collect tax). Because of dat, he end ein medical career de following year.      

### First marriage
Insyd 1930, Houphouët marry Kady Racine Sow (1913–2006) for Abengourou. Demma marriage cause controversy because Houphouët be Catholic wey dey practise ein faith, but Kady be daughter of one rich Muslim man from Senegal. Later, both demma families put demma opposition down den accept de interfaith marriage, wey be de first one ever wey dem celebrate for Ivory Coast. Dem born five children: Felix (wey die as baby), Augustine, Francis, Guillaume, plus Marie — all of dem raise as Catholics.        

### ''Chef de canton'' den union leader
As Houphouët become chef de canton, he take charge of de administration for Akouè, one canton wey get 36 villages. He sana take over de family plantation—wey at dat time be one of de most important ones for de country—den he work make dem plant rubber, cocoa plus coffee insyd.  E no take long wey he become one of de richest farmers insyd Africa. On 3 September 1944, he start de African Agricultural Union (Syndicat agricole africain, SAA) together plus de colonial administration. As president, de SAA gather African farmers wey no dey happy plus demma working conditions, den dem fight to protect demma interests against de European planters. De union no dey like colonialism or racism, so dem ask for better working conditions, higher pay, plus make dem stop forced labour. About 20,000 plantation workers support de union sharp, plus some left-wing French administrators wey de Provisional Government appoint.  Demma success vex de colonists, so dem take Houphouët go court say he be anti-French because he no apply for French citizenship. But Houphouët make friendship plus de Inspector Minister of de Colonies, wey come tell dem make dem drop de charges. Still, de colonists manage sack de friendly Governor André Latrille den replace am plus de hostile Governor Henry de Mauduit.       

Houphouët enter politics insyd August 1945, when dem first hold elections insyd Abidjan city council. De French electoral rules talk say make dem divide de elected people: half must be French citizens (mostly Europeans), den de other half non-citizens. Houphouët respond by forming one multi-ethnic all-African group wey get both non-citizens den citizens (mostly Senegalese wey get French citizenship). Because of dis move, most of de African people wey wan contest pull out, den many French people wey no dey happy boycott de vote, wey make Houphouët ein African Bloc win am strong.         

Insyd October 1945, Houphouët move go national politics; de French government say make dem give demma colonies representation for de *assemblée constituante* (Constituent Assembly), so dem give Côte d’Ivoire plus Upper Volta two MPs in Parliament together.  One go represent de French citizens, den de other go represent de local people. But only small number—less than 1% of de population—fit vote. Governor de Mauduit try stop Houphouët by supporting anoda candidate, plus full support from de administration. But because de SAA organize strong, Houphouët win de indigenous seat with about 1,000-vote lead. Still, e no get majority, because plenty candidates dey. Second round of election come on 4 November 1945, den Houphouët win again—this time, he beat one Upper Voltan candidate narrowly, with 12,980 votes from 31,081 total. From there, he add "Boigny" to ein name, wey for Baoulé mean "irresistible force", to show ein power as leader.           

## French political career

### Member of Parliament
As Houphouët-Boigny take ein seat for de National Assembly for de Palais Bourbon together plus ein compatriots Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly den Zinda Kaboré, he first need choose which group he go join, den he go for de *Mouvements unis de la Résistance* (Unified Resistance Movements), one small party wey get Communist sympathizers but dem no be official members of de Communist Party. Dem appoint am as member of de *Commission des territoires d’outre-mer* (Commission of Overseas Territories). During dis period, he dey work make he fulfill de plans of de SAA, especially by proposing one bill wey go cancel forced labour—de most unpopular aspect of de French colonial system. De Assembly adopt dis bill, wey dem call *Loi Houphouët-Boigny*, on 11 April 1946, wey boost ein reputation pass ein own country. On 3 April 1946, Houphouët-Boigny again propose make dem unify labour regulations across de African territories; dis one complete insyd 1952. Then, on 27 September 1946, he submit report on de health system for de overseas territories, wey he call for reform.  Insyd all ein time inside Parliament, Houphouët-Boigny support de idea say make all French territories join under one union.   

As de first constitution wey de Constituent Assembly propose no pass for de voters ein side, dem hold new elections for 1946 for one second constituent assembly. Insyd dis election inside, Houphouët-Boigny organize on 9 April 1946, plus support from de Communist Study Groups, de Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally (PDCI), wey ein structure resemble de one of de SAA. Dis party quick become de first African independent party wey succeed, as de new party wey Houphouët-Boigny lead win de election easy with 21,099 votes out of 37,888, while ein opponents just get few hundreds each. One thing wey help am be say dem recall Governor Latrille, as de one wey come before am lose ein position from de Overseas Minister Marius Moutet because he oppose de abolition of de *indigénat*.      

As Houphouët-Boigny go back enter de assembly, dem appoint am for de *Commission du règlement et du suffrage universel* (Commission for Regulation of Universal Suffrage). From 1947 go 1948, as secretary for de commission, he propose on 18 February 1947 make dem reform French West Africa (AOF), French Equatorial Africa (AEF), plus de federal council for de French territories so dat dem go represent African people well. He still call make dem form local assemblies for Africa so say Africans go fit learn how to dey manage political matters by demselves.       

### Foundation of de RDA den Communist alliance
As dem dey hold de second Constituent Assembly, de African representatives see strong reaction against de colonial liberalism wey dem put for de constitution wey de first assembly draft but voters reject. De new constitution wey dem approve on 13 October 1946 reduce de African representatives from 30 come 24, plus e reduce de number of people wey fit vote; e still leave plenty colonial matters wey de executive fit control by decree, plus de supervision over de colonial administration still weak. As dem feel say de MRP demma promises and de ones of de Socialists no reach anywhere, de African deputies conclude say dem need build one permanent coalition wey no go depend on de French parties. Na Houphouët-Boigny first propose dis idea give ein African colleagues, den he get demma full support for make dem hold founding congress insyd October insyd Bamako insyd French Sudan.         

Dem no reach to form dem own parliamentary group, so de African deputies no get choice than to join one of de bigger parties make dem fit sidon together for Palais Bourbon. So na so de RDA join de French Communist Party (PCF), wey be de only political group wey openly oppose colonialism, den dem begin organize strikes den boycott European imports. Houphouët-Boigny defend dis alliance say na de only way wey e voice go fit reach people dat time: “Even before de creation of RDA, de alliance don help our cause: insyd March 1946, dem adopt de abolition of compulsory labour unanimously, without any vote, all because of our tactical alliance.” Anytime wey e dey Paris, he dey ride black limousine go de PCF executive school. Because of dis contrast, he talk say e no get any communist sympathy: “I be Houphouët—traditional leader, doctor, big landowner, Catholic—how dem go talk say I be communist?”         

As Cold War start, de alliance plus de Communists start dey harm de RDA well-well. De French colonial administration begin show strong hostility toward de RDA den ein president, wey dem dey call “Stalinist.” For Ivory Coast, repression against ein party, de PDCI, increase. Dem dey regularly arrest den beat activists, sometimes even torture dem; some people lose demma work. One of de main leaders for de party, Senator Biaka Boda, dem find am hang den tear tear for forest while e still dey under police pursuit. Houphouët-Boigny start dey fear for ein life den de future of de movement. De tension reach ein peak for early 1950, when anti-colonial violence burst out, den dem arrest almost de whole PDCI leadership. Houphouët-Boigny escape just before police reach ein house. Even though ein position as MP go protect am with immunity, people believe say e escape because of ein high status den influence. Wahala burst after dat, riots start insyd Ivory Coast; de worst one happen for Dimbokro where 13 Africans die den 50 wound as dem clash with police. Official reports talk say by 1951, 52 Africans die, several hundreds injure, den around 3,000 people arrest—but journalist Ronald Segal for *African Profiles* talk say dis numbers low pass de real figures. To calm de crisis, Prime Minister René Pleven give François Mitterrand, wey be France ein Minister for Overseas Territories, de responsibility to break de link between de RDA den de PCF. Truly, insyd 1952, RDA form official alliance plus Mitterrand ein party, de UDSR. As Houphouët-Boigny realize say e no get way out, e agree insyd October 1950 to end de Communist alliance. When dem ask am for one interview wey no get date why e work plus de communists, Houphouët-Boigny talk say: “I, wey be bourgeois landowner, I go preach class struggle? Na why we follow de Communist Party, but we no join dem.” One 1954 report from French military authorities point say Houphouët-Boigny “play ein own game alone with serious tactics, delays den clever tricks, e no call de Coordination Committee or party congress, wey fit oppose dis change of direction, den e slowly turn de party to one wey dey support de administration.” De secretary-general of de RDA, Gabriel d'Arboussier, no gree follow dis new road so e lef de party. Same way, de Union of the Peoples of Cameroon, de Union démocratique sénégalaise den de Niger Democratic Union all refuse to break demma connection plus de PCF den de CGT.              

### Rehabilitation den entry into government
Insyd de 1951 elections, dem reduce de number of seats from three go two; even though Houphouët-Boigny still win ein seat, de other RDA candidate, Ouezzin Coulibaly, no win. Altogether, RDA gather only 67,200 votes out of 109,759 wey people cast for dat election, den de party wey dey oppose dem directly take one seat. On 8 August 1951, Boigny talk for René Pleven ein inauguration as president of de board say e no be leader of communist group; people no believe am until RDA join UDSR for 1952. On de 24th of dat same month, Boigny make one statement for de Assembly wey challenge de election result, say e be fraud. E sana talk say dem dey exploit de overseas deputies as “voting machines” wey just dey act like political pawns to support everything de colonial government do. After dat, Houphouët-Boigny plus de RDA no dey successful for small time until dem come gain victory again for 1956 elections; for dat year, de party get 502,711 votes out of 579,550 cast. From dat moment, people forget ein connection plus Communism, den dem begin see am as moderate person. Dem make am member of de Committees on Universal Suffrage (wey be different from de committee wey dey regulate de suffrage), Constitutional Laws, Rules den Petitions. On 1 February 1956, dem appoint am as Minister wey dey carry de responsibilities of de Presidency of de Council insyd Guy Mollet ein government, post wey e hold until 13 June 1957. Dis be de first time wey African person enter such high position for French government. De main achievement wey e get for dis role be say e create one organisation for Saharan regions wey go help make de French Union strong den fight Morocco ein territorial claims for de Sahara.              

E no talk anything against de First Indochina War or against how Guy Mollet vote make dem give special powers to suppress de National Liberation Front ein rebellion for Algeria.              

On 6 November 1957, Houphouët-Boigny become Minister of Public Health and Population for de Gaillard government, den e try reform de public health code. Before dat, e serve as Minister of State under Maurice Bourgès-Maunoury from 13 June to 6 November 1957. After ein time for de Gaillard government end, dem appoint am again as Minister of State from 14 May 1958 to 20 May 1959. For dis position inside, e help shape France ein African policy, especially for de area of culture. Na through ein effort dem create de Bureau of French Overseas Students den de University of Dakar. On 4 October 1958, Houphouët-Boigny be one of de people wey sign de Constitution of de Fifth Republic together plus de Gaulle. De last position wey e hold for France be Minister-Counsellor inside de Michel Debré ein government, from 23 July 1959 to 19 May 1961.

### Leading up to independence
Till middle of de 1950s, French colonies wey dey west den central Africa dey grouped insyd two federations: French Equatorial Africa (AEF) den French West Africa (AOF). Côte d'Ivoire dey insyd AOF, den e dey finance almost two-thirds of AOF ein budget. Houphouët-Boigny want make ein country free itself from de control of AOF, so e support one type of Africa wey go consist of nations wey go create wealth instead of nations wey go just share poverty den suffering. E play active role for de drafting den adoption of de Defferre Loi Cadre, one French legal reform wey, apart from granting autonomy to de African colonies, go break de links wey dey hold de various territories together, so dem go get more control over demma own affairs through local assemblies. Plenty of Houphouët-Boigny ein fellow Africans no agree plus dis Defferre Loi Cadre: Léopold Sédar Senghor, wey be Senegal ein leader, be de first person wey oppose dis move wey e call "Balkanization" of Africa. E talk say de colonial territories no reflect any real connection—geographical, economic, ethnic, or linguistic. Senghor believe say if dem maintain de AOF, e go make de territories get stronger political recognition den allow dem to develop in unity and become real nations. Plenty members of de African Democratic Rally (RDA) share dis view, so dem support Ahmed Sékou Touré den Modibo Keïta, wey cause Houphouët-Boigny to dey insyd de minority for de 1957 congress wey dem hold for Bamako.

After dem adopt de Loi Cadre reform on 23 June 1956, dem organize territorial election for Ivory Coast on 3 March 1957. Insyd dis election inside, de PDCI—wey Houphouët-Boigny take strong hand turn into one political machine—win plenty seats. Houphouët-Boigny, wey already dey serve as minister for France, plus ein role as President of de Territorial Assembly and mayor of Abidjan, select Auguste Denise to act as Vice President of de Government Council of Ivory Coast, even though e still remain de only person wey France dey talk to from de colony. Houphouët-Boigny ein popularity den influence inside France ein African colonies grow reach level wey one French magazine talk say by 1956, ein photograph dey everywhere—inside huts, on top coat lapels, for African women demma corsages, den even on bicycle handlebars.

On 7 April 1957, Ghana ein prime minister, Kwame Nkrumah, come visit Ivory Coast, den e call make all colonies for Africa declare demma independence. Houphouët-Boigny reply Nkrumah say:Your experience be really impressive ... But sake of de human relationship between de French den de Africans, plus say for dis 20th century inside, people all turn interdependent, we reason say e go fit better make we try one new den different experience wey go be unique—one Franco-African community wey go base on equality den fraternity.Unlike plenty African leaders wey rush go ask for independence straight, Houphouët-Boigny prefer make dem do am gradually insyd de "ensemble français" because, as e talk, political independence without economic independence no get value. E too invite Nkrumah make dem meet again after 10 years to see which one among de two choose de better way toward independence.

Insyd 28 September 1958, Charles de Gaulle bring one constitutional referendum come give de Franco-African community: dem give de territories two options—either make dem support de constitution or declare dem independence but cut demselves off from France. For Houphouët-Boigny, de decision be clear: "No matter wetin happen, Côte d'Ivoire go join de Franco-African community straight. De other territories fit decide to join together first before dem enter." Na only Guinea choose independence; ein leader Ahmed Sékou Touré go against Houphouët-Boigny ein stance, as e talk say ein choice be "freedom insyd poverty better pass wealth insyd slavery." De referendum bring out de French Community, one institution wey dem plan as association of free republics wey go control foreign policy, defense, currency, common ethnic den financial policy, plus strategic raw materials.

Houphouët-Boigny get strong mind make e stop de dominance wey Senegal dey try show insyd West Africa, so political fight start between Ivorian leaders den dem Senegalese counterparts. Houphouët-Boigny no gree go de Inter-African conference wey dem do insyd Dakar on 31 December 1958, wey be meeting wey dem plan make e build foundation for de Federation of Francophone African States. Even though dat federation no come happen, Senegal plus Mali (wey dem dey call French Sudan by den) come form dem own political union, wey dem call de Mali Federation. After Charles de Gaulle allow make de Mali Federation take ein independence insyd 1959, Houphouët-Boigny start try make dem plans fail; as e work hand-in-hand plus France, e fit persuade Upper Volta, Dahomey, plus Niger make dem pull out from de Mali Federation, before de union collapse insyd August 1960.

## President of Ivory Coast

### Early years den second marriage
Houphouët-Boigny officially turn head of government insyd Ivory Coast on 1 May 1959. Even though no rival political party dey challenge am as de PDCI already turn de de facto state party since 1957, e still face opposition from people insyd ein own government. Some radical nationalists, wey Jean-Baptiste Mockey dey lead, come stand against de government ein Francophile policies. As Houphouët-Boigny wan handle dis wahala, e come decide make e exile Mockey insyd September 1959, claim say Mockey try kill am through voodoo charm under wetin e call "complot du chat noir" (black cat conspiracy).

After Ivory Coast gain independence from France on 7 August 1960, Houphouët-Boigny start prepare new constitution for de country. Dis constitution carry strong influence from de United States Constitution wey give plenty power to de executive branch, plus de French Constitution wey limit wetin de legislature fit do. E turn de National Assembly into place wey just dey record bills den budget proposals. Then on 27 November 1960, Houphouët-Boigny win election to become President of de Republic without any challenger, while dem elect only PDCI candidates go de National Assembly.

1963 carry plenty allegations of coup plot wey end up help Houphouët-Boigny consolidate power insyd ein hand. No clear agreement dey on how de 1963 events really happen; some people even believe say no coup plot dey at all, say de whole matter fit be plan wey Houphouët-Boigny use take strengthen ein grip for power. Between 120 to 200 secret trials happen insyd Yamoussoukro, wey involve some important political people—like Mockey den de Supreme Court president Ernest Boka. For de army top too, yawa come as de generals begin vex after dem arrest Defense Minister Jean Konan Banny, so de president gots come step in personally to calm dem down.

For de next 27 years, almost all de power for Ivory Coast land for Houphouët-Boigny ein hand. From 1965 go 1985, dem reelect am five times straight, every five years, without any challenger. Every five years too, dem return only PDCI candidates go de National Assembly. In reality, na de president dey select all de candidates, as e be de PDCI leader wey dey approve everybody. Houphouët-Boigny den de PDCI believe say national unity and support for PDCI be de same thing, den say if dem allow multiparty system, e go waste national resources and spoil de unity of de country. Na why dem make am compulsory say all adults must join de PDCI. Dem control de media strong, wey e just dey act as tool for spread government propaganda.

Even though Houphouët-Boigny ein rule be authoritarian, e no hard like how plenty African regimes dey do am by dat time. After e hold power well, insyd 1967, e release political prisoners. Under ein own style of “paternalistic authoritarianism”, e calm people wey oppose am by giving dem government work instead of locking dem. Because of dis, Robert Mundt—wey write *Côte d'Ivoire: Continuity and Change in a Semi-Democracy*—talk say nobody really challenge Houphouët-Boigny serious after 1963. Even though Ivory Coast under am no get political democracy like de Western countries, e still be small more tolerant den open pass most African countries after colonial time. 

To stop any plan for coup d’état, de president take control of de army plus police, reduce dem number from 5,300 go 3,500. E give defence matter to de French army wey, based on defence cooperation treaty of 24 April 1961, dey stay for Port-Bouët den fit take action if Houphouët-Boigny call dem or if dem feel say French interest dey under threat. Dem later take action during de Sanwi people ein attempt to secede for 1959 den 1969, den again for 1970, when one illegal political group, de Eburnian Movement, form, and Houphouët-Boigny accuse ein leader Kragbé Gnagbé say e wan pull ein region comot.

Houphouët-Boigny marry one much younger woman, Marie-Thérèse Brou, for 1952, after e divorce ein first wife wey e marry for twenty-two years. Dem no get demma own born child, but insyd 1981, dem adopt one kiddie, Olivier Antoine.

Hélène Houphouët-Boigny, wey people know as Abla Pokou, get legal recognition as ein pikin for 1960, when Felix Houphouët-Boigny himself carry three witnesses—ein two sisters, Ms Faitai and Adjoua Houphouët-Boigny, plus ein cousin Yao Simon, wey be chief for Canton Yamoussoukro—go Court for Toumodi. De judgement be number 1261 dated 26 August 1960, and de court session open to public. Madame Hélène be granddaughter of Bouale King, Nanan Kouakou Anougble II, through ein mother Madame Akissi Anougble. Both of dem die insyd 1958.

But de marriage no dey free from wahala. Insyd 1958, Marie-Thérèse go Italy for romantic trip, den insyd 1961, Houphouët-Boigny born one pikin, Florence (wey die for 2007), outside marriage plus ein mistress Henriette Duvignac.

### Leadership insyd Africa
As e take follow de example of de Gaulle, wey no gree proposals wey dey talk about integrated Europe, Houphouët-Boigny too oppose Nkrumah ein proposed United States of Africa, wey dey question Ivory Coast ein national sovereignty wey dem just gain. But Houphouët-Boigny no oppose collective African institutions if dem go dey under ein influence or control.

On 29 May 1959, as e join body plus Hamani Diori (Niger), Maurice Yaméogo (Upper Volta) den Hubert Maga (Dahomey), Houphouët-Boigny create de *Conseil de l'Entente* (Council of Accord or Council of Understanding). Dis regional organisation wey dem establish to block de Mali Federation, get three main functions: make dem fit manage some public services together, like de port of Abidjan or de Abidjan–Niger railway line; make dem provide one solidarity fund wey member countries fit access, 90% of dis fund na Ivory Coast go provide am; den make dem fit fund different development projects through low-interest loans to de member states (70% of de loans na Côte d'Ivoire go provide am). For 1966, Houphouët-Boigny even offer to give dual citizenship to people wey come from de member countries of de *Conseil de l'Entente*, but dem abandon dis proposal quick after popular protests start.

De ambitious Ivorian leader get even bigger plans for de French-speaking Africa: ein aim be say make e gather all de different nations under one big organisation wey go get de goal of mutual assistance among demma member states. Dis project come turn reality on 7 September 1961 as dem sign one charter wey give birth to de *Union africaine et malgache* (UAM; African and Malagasy Union), wey include 12 French-speaking countries including Léopold Sédar Senghor ein Senegal. Agreements come dey signed for different sectors like economy, military den telecommunications, wey make solidarity among Francophone states strong. But as dem create de Organisation of African Unity (OAU) insyd May 1963, e come affect ein plans: de people wey support Pan-Africanism begin demand make dem dissolve all regional groupings like de UAM. Houphouët-Boigny, although e no dey happy, come gree, den e turn de UAM into de *Organisation africaine et malgache de coopération économique et culturelle* (African and Malagasy Organization of economic and cultural cooperation).

As Houphouët-Boigny take see de OAU as one organisation wey no dey go anywhere, especially as Paris no dey support de group, e come decide for 1965 make e create *l'Organisation commune africaine et malgache* (OCAM; African and Malagasy Organization), one French organisation wey go compete plus de OAU. De organisation come include 16 countries as members, wey demma aim be to stop revolutionary ambitions for Africa. But as time dey go, de organisation come dey too loyal to France, wey make half of de countries comot from am.

Insyd de mid-1970s, as de economy dey shine, Houphouët-Boigny plus Senghor come put demma differences for corner den join hands to stop Nigeria, wey been dey try make einself big for West Africa through de creation of de Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). De two leaders come counter ECOWAS by creating de Economic Community of West Africa (ECWA), wey come replace de old trade partnerships for de French-speaking regions. But after Nigeria give dem assurance say ECOWAS go work like how de earlier Francophone organisations dey work, Houphouët-Boigny plus Senghor come decide to merge demma organisation into ECOWAS for May 1975.

### ''Françafrique''
All de time wey Houphouët-Boigny be president, e dey surround einself plus French advisers like Guy Nairay, wey be chief of staff from 1960 go 1993, den Alain Belkiri, wey be Secretary-General of de Ivorian government, wey ein influence stretch go all areas. Dis kind of diplomacy wey e call “Françafrique” help am keep very strong relationship plus de former colonial power, make Ivory Coast be France ein number one African ally. Anytime one of dem enter agreement plus one African country, de other one go give ein full support without condition. Through dis arrangement, Houphouët-Boigny come build strong friendship plus Jacques Foccart, wey be chief adviser for African policy under de governments of de Gaulle den Pompidou.

### Destabilization of revolutionary regimes
As Ahmed Sékou Touré claim independence for Guinea through de 28 September 1958 French constitutional referendum, e no just challenge de Gaulle, but e challenge ein African brother too, Houphouët-Boigny. E distance einself from de Guinean officials wey dey Conakry, den de Guinean Democratic Party no dey again inside de RDA. Tensions between Houphouët-Boigny den Touré start rise because of de conspiracies wey de French intelligence agency SDECE do against de Sékou Touré ein regime. For January 1960, Houphouët-Boigny give small arms to some former rebels wey dey Man insyd Ivory Coast den e push ein council for 1965 make dem agree to take part for one plan to overthrow Sékou Touré. For 1967, e support de creation of de Front national de libération de la Guinée (FNLG; National Front for the Liberation of Guinea), wey be reserve of men wey ready to plan Sékou Touré ein downfall.

Houphouët-Boigny ein relationship plus Kwame Nkrumah, wey be de leader of neighbouring Ghana, spoil well after Guinea gain independence, all because Nkrumah support Sékou Touré both with money den politics. After Sékou Touré convince Nkrumah make e support de Sanwi people wey wan break away from Ivory Coast, Houphouët-Boigny start campaign wey go bring down de Ghanaian regime ein name. E accuse Nkrumah say e dey try destabilise Ivory Coast for 1963, den e call on de Francophone states make dem boycott de Organisation of African Unity (OAU) conference wey dem plan to do for Accra. Nkrumah lose power for 1966 through military coup; Houphouët-Boigny allow de plotters make dem use Ivory Coast as base wey dem go take plan dem arrival den departure missions.

Still plus Foccart, Houphouët-Boigny join de coup attempt of 16 January 1977 wey French mercenary Bob Denard lead against de revolutionary regime of Mathieu Kérékou for Dahomey. Houphouët-Boigny, as e dey fight against de Marxists wey dey rule Angola, e too give ein support to Jonas Savimbi ein UNITA party, wey ein fight plus de MPLA party bring about de Angolan Civil War.

Even though people know am say e dey cause trouble for governments, Houphouët-Boigny give asylum to Jean-Bédel Bokassa after French paratroopers overthrow am insyd September 1979 as e be de former dictator of Central African Republic. Dis decision bring plenty international criticism, so as Bokassa turn political den financial load for Houphouët-Boigny, dem expel am from Côte d'Ivoire insyd 1983.

#### Alignment plus France
Houphouët-Boigny na one of de people wey take part for de Congo Crisis wey happen insyd November 1960, wey be period of political tension den conflict insyd Congo-Kinshasa. De Ivorian leader support President Joseph Kasa-Vubu, wey no dey agree plus Lumumba, den e follow France support de controversial Congolese Prime Minister Moise Tshombe. Even though plenty African countries no like Tshombe, Houphouët-Boigny defend am strong den even invite am enter OCAM for May 1965. After General Mobutu overthrow Kasa-Vubu for November 1965, de Ivorian president support one plan insyd 1967 wey de French secret service bring wey aim say make dem bring de former Congolese leader back to power. De operation no succeed. As reaction, Houphouët-Boigny boycott de fourth annual summit of de OAU wey dem hold for Kinshasa insyd September 1967.

Houphouët-Boigny too play big role for de political wahala wey happen for Biafra. As dem dey see Nigeria as one danger to African states wey France dey influence, Foccart send Houphouët-Boigny plus Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Bichelot for mission for 1963 make dem watch how political things dey go for de country. De chance to weaken de former British colony come show insyd May 1967, when Biafra, under Lieutenant-Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, decide say dem go break away from Nigeria. African countries wey dey aligned plus France support de people wey break away, den dem provide mercenaries plus weapons through Jean Mauricheau-Beaupré, as dem fight civil war plus de Nigerian government. But by de end of de 1960s, countries wey France support suddenly den openly move away from de position wey France den Ivory Coast get for de civil war. As dem come dey alone for de international front, de two countries decide to stop deir support to Ojukwu, wey finally go exile insyd Ivory Coast.

As Paris take request am, Houphouët-Boigny start to build relationship plus South Africa insyd October 1970, wey e explain say na because, “De problem of racial discrimination, wey dey pain, dey worry, den dey insult our dignity as Black people, no be something wey we believe say force go fit solve.” E even suggest for de OAU for June 1971 make dem follow de example wey e give. Even though some people support am, dem reject ein proposal. But dis rejection no stop am from continuing ein effort to get close to de Pretoria government. Dis effort yield result for October of dat same year, when one kind semi-official meeting happen between some high level officials from Ivory Coast den South African Prime Minister B. J. Vorster for de capital of South Africa. Again, as e dey think about how communism dey spread insyd Africa, e meet Vorster for Geneva insyd 1977, after Soviet Union plus Cuba try to join hand take expand deir influence for Angola den Ethiopia. Relationship plus South Africa continue on official level till de end of ein presidency.

Houphouët-Boigny den Thomas Sankara, wey be de leader of Burkina Faso, get one very unstable relationship. De tension reach ein highest point insyd 1985 when Burkinabés wey dey Ivory Coast accuse de authorities say dem dey part of one plan to forcefully carry young students go training camps insyd Libya. Houphouët-Boigny respond by inviting de dissident Jean-Claude Kamboulé make e take refuge for Côte d'Ivoire so say e go fit organize resistance against de Sankara government. For 1987, dem overthrow Sankara den kill am insyd coup. De coup fit involve France, as de Sankara regime no dey in good standing for France demma eye. People suspect Houphouët-Boigny say e dey involved inside de coup, den for November, de PDCI ask de government make dem ban de sale of *Jeune Afrique* after de magazine talk say Houphouët-Boigny be part of de plan. De president of Ivory Coast fit gain plenty from de divisions wey dey insyd de Burkina Faso government. E reach out to Blaise Compaoré, wey be de second most powerful person insyd de government; many people believe say dem two work together plus Laurent Dona Fologo, Robert Guéï den Pierre Ouédraogo to overthrow de Sankara regime.

Apart from supporting de policies wey France dey pursue, Houphouët-Boigny too influence demma actions for Africa. E pressure France make dem support den give arms to warlord Charles Taylor ein rebel group during de First Liberian Civil War, as e dey hope say after de war, e go gain some of de country ein assets den resources.

E secretly take part insyd de movement of arms go give de segregationist regime insyd South Africa during de time dem dey fight war insyd Angola.

### Opposition to de Soviet Union den China
From de time wey Ivory Coast gain ein independence, Houphouët-Boigny see Soviet Union den China as "bad" influence over developing countries. E no start diplomatic relations plus Moscow until 1967, but later break am for 1969 after dem talk say Soviet people support directly de 1968 student protest wey happen for de National University of Côte d'Ivoire. De two countries no connect back until February 1986, by which time Houphouët-Boigny take up more active foreign policy wey show say e dey look for more international recognition.

Houphouët-Boigny criticize de People's Republic of China (PRC) even pass. E talk ein fear say Chinese people go "invade" Africa plus come colonise am later. E worry say Africans go see say de kind development problems wey dey China be like Africa ein own, den go feel say de solutions wey China use go fit work for sub-Saharan Africa too. Because of dat, Ivory Coast be among de last countries wey normalise demma relations plus China, wey dem do on 3 March 1983. Based on de principle wey Beijing dey demand for "one China", Côte d'Ivoire ein recognition of de PRC mean say diplomatic relations between Abidjan den Taiwan end.

### Economic policies insyd de 1960s den 1970s
Houphouët-Boigny take economic liberalism system for Ivory Coast so say foreign investors, especially de French, go trust am plus get confidence. De benefits wey de investment laws wey e put for 1959 give, make foreign companies fit carry go back up to 90% of demma profits go demma own country (dem for reinvest de remaining 10% insyd Côte d'Ivoire). E come put plans wey go modernise de country ein infrastructure, like how e build American-style business area for Abidjan wey get five-star hotels plus resorts wey dey host tourists den businessmen. Ivory Coast gain economic growth between 11–12% from 1960 to 1965. De country ein gross domestic product (GDP) grow twelve times from 1960 reach 1978, from 145 reach 1,750 billion CFA francs, plus de trade balance still dey show surplus.

Dis economic success come from de president ein decision say make dem focus on de primary sector of de economy, no be de secondary one. Because of dis, de agricultural sector grow well: from 1960 go 1970, cocoa farmers increase demma production three times reach 312,000 tonnes, den coffee production rise almost 50%, from 185,500 go 275,000 tonnes. Because of de economic success, many people from West African countries move enter Ivory Coast; by 1980, de foreign workers—mostly Burkinabés—wey dey manage local plantations, be more than one-quarter of de Ivorian population. Ivorians plus foreigners start dey call Houphouët-Boigny "Sage of Africa" for dis achievement wey dem call de "Ivorian miracle". Dem sana dey call am "The Old One" (Le Vieux) out of respect.

But de economic system wey dem build together plus France no be perfect. As Houphouët-Boigny talk am, Ivory Coast ein economy experience "growth without development". De growth depend on capital, plans, plus financial structure from foreign investors; e no become independent or fit sustain itself.

### Crisis insyd Ivory Coast

#### Economy on de brink of collapse
From 1978 start, Ivory Coast ein economy start fall serious because de international market prices for coffee den cocoa drop sharp. People feel say de fall be small time thing, as de impact on de farmers no too hard due to Caistab, de agricultural marketing board, wey make sure say dem dey get enough money to live. De next year, to try stop de sudden drop for de export goods demma prices, Houphouët-Boigny increase prices make dem fit face de international tariffs wey dem dey put on raw materials. But as he use only dis method, Ivory Coast lose more than 700 billion CFA francs from 1980 to 1982. Between 1983 den 1984, Côte d'Ivoire suffer drought wey destroy nearly 400,000 hectares of forest plus 250,000 hectares of coffee den cocoa farms. To solve dis problem, Houphouët-Boigny go London go try negotiate agreement on coffee den cocoa prices plus traders and industrial people; but by 1984, de agreement spoil and Ivory Coast enter big financial crisis.

Even de offshore oil drilling plus petrochemical industries wey dem develop to support Caistab no escape de effect of de 1986 global economic recession. Ivory Coast, wey buy de farmers demma harvests for two times de market price, enter serious debt. By May 1987, de foreign debt reach US$10 billion, wey make Houphouët-Boigny stop payment of de debt. As dem no gree sell demma cocoa supply, de country halt exports in July den force de world prices to rise. But dis "embargo" no work. For November 1989, Houphouët-Boigny sell ein huge cocoa stock give big companies make e revive de economy. As ein health get serious issue by dis time, he appoint prime minister (wey de position no get person since 1960), Alassane Ouattara, wey bring economic measures wey go help de country comot for debt.

#### Social tensions
De general atmosphere of enjoyment plus satisfaction wey dey insyd de economic growth period for Ivory Coast help Houphouët-Boigny keep control over internal political tensions. Ein soft-hand authoritarian regime, wey no really get political prisoners, be well accepted by de people. But de economic crisis wey start for de 1980s make life hard for middle class plus poor people for town areas. According to World Bank, de number of people wey dey live under poverty line rise from 11% for 1985 to 31% by 1993. Even though dem try some measures, like reducing de number of young French workers wey dey do national service abroad from 3,000 to 2,000 for 1986 so say young Ivorian graduates go get jobs, de government no fit stop de rise of unemployment plus company closures.

Strong social unrest shake de country, bring insecurity. De army do mutiny insyd 1990 den 1992, plus on 2 March 1990, protestors gather plenty for Abidjan street shout things like "thief Houphouët" den "corrupt Houphouët". Dis demonstrations push de president to start democratization on 31 May, wey make he allow political parties plus trade unions.

##### Opposition
Laurent Gbagbo gain recognition as one of de main people wey cause de student demonstrations wey happen during de protest against Houphouët-Boigny ein government on 9 February 1982, wey lead to de closure of de universities plus other schools. Just small after dat, ein wife plus he form wetin go later become de Ivorian Popular Front (FPI). Gbagbo go exile for France inside dat same year, wey he start promote FPI plus demma political agenda. Even though FPI ein ideology be like de one of de Unified Socialist Party, de French socialist government try ignore Gbagbo ein party to make Houphouët-Boigny happy. After long appeal process, Gbagbo get political refugee status for France for 1985. But de French government try pressure am make he go back Ivory Coast, as Houphouët-Boigny start worry say Gbagbo dey build network of contacts, den he believe say "ein stubborn opponent go be less threat for Abidjan pass Paris".

Insyd 1988, Gbagbo return from exile go Ivory Coast after Houphouët-Boigny give am forgiveness indirectly by talk say "de tree no vex de bird". For 1990, Houphouët-Boigny make opposition parties legal. On 28 October, dem hold presidential election. Gbagbo file make he stand against Houphouët-Boigny, wey make am be de first time wey dem get contested election for de country. Gbagbo take advantage of de President ein old age, suggest say de 85-year-old president no go fit survive ein seventh five-year term. Houphouët-Boigny respond by show ein youth for television. According to official figures, he beat Gbagbo get 2,445,365 votes against 548,441—wey be unlikely 81.7 percent of de vote.

#### Displays of wealth
Wen he be president, Houphouët-Boigny benefit plenty from de riches wey Ivory Coast get; by de time wey he die insyd 1993, dem estimate say ein personal wealth dey between US$7 and $11 billion. Concerning ein big fortune, Houphouët-Boigny talk for 1983 say, "People dey wonder say I like gold. Na just because I born insyd am." De Ivorian leader get about twelve properties for Paris metropolitan area (plus Hotel Masseran for Masseran Street insyd de 7th arrondissement of Paris), one property for Castel Gandolfo for Italy, den one house for Chêne-Bourg for Switzerland. He get real estate companies like Grand Air SI, SI Picallpoc plus Interfalco, den he hold plenty shares for big jewellery den watchmaking companies like Piaget SA den Harry Winston. He keep ein riches for Switzerland, one time ask say "whether any serious man on Earth no dey keep part of ein riches insyd Switzerland".

Insyd 1983, Houphouët-Boigny move de capital from Abidjan go Yamoussoukro. For there, he use state ein money take build plenty buildings like de Institute Polytechnique plus one international airport. De most expensive project be de Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, wey be de biggest church for de whole world now, wey get area of 30,000 square metres (320,000 sq ft) plus height of 158 metres (518 ft). Houphouët-Boigny take ein personal money build am. De construction wey Lebanese architect Pierre Fakhoury do cost about US$150–200 million. Houphouët-Boigny dash am to Pope John Paul II as one "personal gift"; de Pope, even though he beg make dem no make am taller pass St. Peter’s for Rome but dem no agree, still consecrate am on 10 September 1990. Because de national economy fall plus de heavy money wey dem use build de Basilica, plenty people criticize am: some western news agencies call am "de basilica insyd bush".

## Death den legacy

### Succession den death
De political, social, plus economic palaver too reach de matter of who go take over from Houphouët-Boigny as head of state. After he cut ties plus ein former political heir Philippe Yacé for 1980—wey, as president of de National Assembly, get right to act fully as president of de republic if de head of state no fit perform or e no dey—Houphouët-Boigny delay plenty before he go officially choose successor. De president ein health start dey weak more more, wey make Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara dey control de country from 1990 go, as de president dey hospital for France. Power struggle start, but e end as Houphouët-Boigny reject Ouattara plus choose Henri Konan Bédié, de president of de National Assembly. For December 1993, Houphouët-Boigny, wey cancer of de prostate kill reach last stage, dem rush carry am go Côte d'Ivoire make he fit die there. Dem keep am for life support make dem fit finish all final plans about who go take over. After ein family gree, dem remove de life support for 6:35 am GMT on 7 December. As he die, Houphouët-Boigny be de African leader wey serve pass everybody, plus third for de world after Fidel Castro of Cuba plus Kim Il Sung of North Korea.

Houphouët-Boigny no leave any written will or legacy paper insyd Côte d'Ivoire as he die insyd 1993. De people wey dem recognise as ein heirs, especially Helena, fight government make dem collect part of de big fortune wey Houphouët-Boigny lef, wey she talk say be "private" plus e no be de State ein own.

### Funeral
Afta Houphouët-Boigny ein death, de country still keep ein stability, as dem see during ein funeral on 7 February 1994. Dis funeral for dis "doyen of francophone Africa" happen insyd de Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, wey carry 7,000 guests insyd de building den tens of thousands outside. De two-month wait before Houphouët-Boigny ein funeral, wey be normal for people from de Baoulé ethnic group, give chance make dem fit do plenty ceremonies before dem bury am. De president ein funeral show many traditional African burial customs, like big choir wey wear bright batik dresses dey sing "laagoh budji gnia" (Baoulé: "Lord, na you make all things") plus village chiefs wey show strips of kente den korhogo cloth. Baoulé people dey bury dema people plus things dem like when dem dey alive; but Houphouët-Boigny ein family no talk wetin or whether dem bury anything plus am.

Over 140 countries plus international organisations send demma delegates come de funeral. But as The New York Times talk, plenty Ivorians bore say some key allies no come well, especially de United States. De small United States delegation wey come, na Secretary of Energy Hazel R. O'Leary plus Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs George Moose lead am. But as Houphouët-Boigny get strong personal connection plus France, e show for how big de French delegation be—President François Mitterrand come; Prime Minister Édouard Balladur; de presidents of de National Assembly den de Senate, Philippe Séguin plus René Monory; former president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing; Jacques Chirac; ein close friend Jacques Foccart; plus six former prime ministers all join. As The New York Times talk, "Houphouët-Boigny ein death no be only de end of one political era for here, but e fit be de end of de strong French-African relationship wey he represent."

### Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize
To make ein legacy as man of peace strong, Houphouët-Boigny set up one award insyd 1989, wey UNESCO sponsor den de Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Foundation provide all de money from extra-budgetary sources. Dis prize dey honour people wey dey search for peace. Dem name de prize "after President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, de doyen of African Heads of State den one wey no dey tire for push peace, unity, friendship den dialogue to solve all conflicts both insyd countries den between countries". Every year dem dey give de prize plus one cheque of €122,000, den one international jury of 11 people from five continents dey select who go win, wey former United States Secretary of State den Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger dey chair. Dem first give de prize insyd 1991 to Nelson Mandela, president of de African National Congress, den Frederik Willem de Klerk, president of de Republic of South Africa. Since den dem dey award am every year, except insyd 2001 den 2004.

## Positions insyd government

### France

### Ivory Coast

## References


## Read further
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## External links

* Speech Delivered by Mister Houphouet-Boigny, Minister of State at the Geo-Andre Stadium in Abidjan on 7 September 1958 {in French)