Alassane Ouattara

African countries are adopting two houses of parliament to boost democracy – but that’s not always what happens

By Thalia Gerzso, University of York At independence, most African states had two legislative chambers – a lower and upper chamber – in their parliament. African leaders saw that as a colonial legacy and as inefficient, so most states removed the upper chambers. Before 1990, only two states kept these bicameral parliaments: Liberia and Nigeria. Since then, however, 40% of the 44 sub-Saharan African states that hold regular […]

September 13, 2024 24

Africa

A Day Of Joy As The African Development Bank celebrates 60 Years

The President of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara led celebrations on Tuesday to mark the African Development Bank’s 60th anniversary. “This is an historic milestone and a cause for celebration, but it is also an opportunity to see that the African Development Bank has financed some pivotal infrastructure and helped improve the living conditions of millions of Africans. The Bank is a source of pride and hope for Africa,” President […]

September 11, 2024 18

Africa

Ivory Coast President pardons dozens jailed for treason

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has pardoned and ordered the release of 51 people convicted of treason and other state security charges. The beneficiaries of the presidential clemency include military and civilian figures convicted of offenses committed during the post-electoral crisis and for endangering state security. Among those pardoned are General Dogbo Blé Brunot and Koné Kamaraté Souleymane. Souleymane was Guillaume Soro's head of protocol when he served as Prime Minister […]

February 24, 2024 14