Alassane Ouattara, President of Ivory Coast has named Patrick Achi, his close confidant and Chief of Staff as the nation’s interim Prime Minister, in the absence of Hamed Bakayoko, who is facing health challenges.
Bakayoko left Ivory Coast on the 18th of February for medical checks, having suffered from failing health for months.
Ouattara met Bakayoko to discuss his health challenges last week and, on seeing the state he was in, asked him to stay longer in the hospital and recover.
Bakayoko, one of Ouattara’s closest allies was made Prime Minister in July 2020, after the death of Amadou Coulibaly, who was pencilled down at the time to become the nation’s next President.
Coulibaly’s death forced Ouattara back in the office but it wasn’t without criticisms as Ivorians rioted on streets.
Bakayoko, with his Prime Ministerial office, also held the defence portfolio which has now been given to Ouattara’s brother, Tene Birahima Ouattara.
Achi is expected to resume office immediately.
