In Ivory Coast, the funeral of former president Henri Konan Bédié began Sunday evening, May 19, in Abidjan. A funeral which takes place ten months after his death on August 1 at the age of 89. The presentation of condolences at the family residence constitutes the first stage of two weeks of national tribute.
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with our correspondent in AbidjanAbdoul Aziz Diallo
Political figures, presidents of institutions and members of the government came to express their compassion to the grieving family. Long before reaching the highest office in Ivory Coast, Henri Konan Bédié led the National Assembly for thirteen years.
Read alsoIvory Coast: kickoff of two weeks of tribute to former president Henri Konan Bedié
A delegation from the hemicycle led by its president, Adama Bictogo, wanted to pay homage to the sphinx of Daoukro. “ We came to show the family all our compassion for the worthy son that he was for Côte d’Ivoire, for everything he was able to give during all these years to Côte d’Ivoire. We cannot today retrace the history of Côte d’Ivoire since independence without talking about President Henri Konan Bédié. »
Also coming to mourn her share, the former first lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Simone Gbagbo, believes that the journey of the former president of the PDCI-RDA should inspire African policies. “ He lost power in difficulty, but he did not turn his back on his nation, testifies Simone Gbagbo. He continued to invest in this nation. At the end of his life, he had practically become the paterfamilias of the entire Ivory Coast.. »
This stage of the funeral dedicated to the presentation of condolences will last three days. Then will come the tribute from the State of Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, before the burial of Henri Konan Bédié on June 1 in his village, in Pepressou.