Alassane Dramane Ouattara (born 1942), popularly known as ADO, is the President of Côte d’Ivoire. A former economist and top official at the IMF, he has led the world’s largest cocoa producer since 2011. As of January 11, 2026, he has just begun his controversial fourth term following a landslide victory in late 2025, and he is currently restructuring his government to meet the challenges of the new mandate.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Alassane Dramane Ouattara |
| Born | January 1, 1942, Dimbokro, Côte d’Ivoire (Age 84) |
| Current Office | President of Côte d’Ivoire (since May 2011) |
| Status in 2026 | Fourth Term (Inaugurated Dec 8, 2025); Term ends 2030. |
| Key Event | Government Dissolution (January 7, 2026) |
January 2026: The New Government “Clean Slate”
Entering 2026, President Ouattara has wasted no time in resetting his administration following his re-election.
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Inauguration (Dec 8, 2025): Ouattara was officially sworn in for his fourth term in Abidjan, following the October 2025 election, where he secured 89.77% of the vote. While he hailed the victory as a “choice for stability,” the election was marked by low turnout and the exclusion of major rivals like Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam.
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Cabinet Dissolution (Jan 7, 2026): Just days ago, Ouattara signed several significant decrees terminating the functions of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and the entire government. This move followed the legislative elections of December 27, 2025, where Ouattara’s ruling party (RHDP) secured a solid majority in the National Assembly.
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Interim Period: As of today, January 11, the outgoing ministers remain in an “interim” capacity to manage current affairs. Ivorians are awaiting the appointment of a new Prime Minister, with speculation centering on whether Ouattara will choose a “technocrat” to manage the economy or a “political heavyweight” to act as a potential successor for 2030.
Political Tension and Succession
Despite his grip on power, 2026 brings renewed pressure on the 84-year-old leader to define a clear succession plan.
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Succession Pressure: After the deaths of his two previous hand-picked successors (Amadou Gon Coulibaly and Hamed Bakayoko) in 2020 and 2021, Ouattara has been cautious about naming an heir. However, analysts (Africa Confidential) note that after winning his fourth term, he is under immense pressure from both the RHDP and regional allies to designate a successor to avoid a power vacuum in 2030.
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Opposition Stance: The opposition remains fractured but vocal. Former First Lady Simone Gbagbo, who ran against him in 2025, continues to challenge the legitimacy of the “zeroing” of term limits that allowed Ouattara to run for a third and fourth term.
Economic Outlook: “Stability vs. Hardship”
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The Cocoa Powerhouse: Ouattara continues to boast of Côte d’Ivoire’s robust economic growth (projected to remain above 6% in 2026). Under his rule, the country has become a West African economic beacon with massive bridge and road infrastructure.
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Cost of Living: Despite the growth, his administration faces a 37% rise in the cost of living over the last decade. His “2026-2030 Roadmap” focuses on “social redistribution” to ensure that cocoa farmers and the urban poor feel the benefits of the national wealth.