Ivory Coast President Reshuffles Government, Appoints Brother as Deputy Prime Minister

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced a government reshuffle, keeping most ministers in place while appointing his brother, Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara, as deputy prime minister. Former Premier Patrick Achi becomes speaker of parliament, and Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani departs amid falling global cocoa prices. The move follows Ouattara’s recent re-election and the RHDP’s parliamentary election victory, signaling continuity and consolidation of power.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced a government reshuffle on Friday, a move that largely maintained the existing cabinet while elevating key figures, including his brother, to positions of greater influence. Most ministers retained their posts, signaling continuity in the government’s operations, even as Ouattara consolidates power following recent electoral victories. The reshuffle comes three months after Ouattara was re-elected for a fourth term with nearly 90 percent of the vote and follows a general election in December in which his ruling RHDP party won almost 80 percent of parliamentary seats.
Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe remains in office, continuing to provide leadership and stability at the helm of government administration. One of the most notable changes in the reshuffle is the elevation of Ouattara’s brother, Tene Birahima Ouattara, who retains the critical defence portfolio while also taking on the newly created role of deputy prime minister. This dual role gives him significant authority within the administration and underscores the president’s confidence in his brother’s capabilities and loyalty.
Former Premier Patrick Achi has been appointed speaker of parliament, a position that will allow him to continue influencing legislative priorities and maintain a close alignment with the president’s agenda. Meanwhile, 84-year-old Vice-President Tiemoko Meyliet Kone retains his post, preserving continuity in the executive branch and signaling the administration’s commitment to stability despite the reshuffle.
A notable departure from the cabinet is Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, who had served in the position since 2011. His exit comes at a challenging time for Ivory Coast’s agricultural sector, particularly for cocoa farmers, as global cocoa prices have fallen significantly, creating economic pressures on the country’s primary export and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The appointment of a new agriculture minister reflects the government’s need to address these economic challenges and implement policies to support farmers amid fluctuating global markets.
Overall, the reshuffle reflects President Ouattara’s strategy of maintaining a balance between continuity and strategic adjustments within his administration. By keeping most ministers in place, the president signals stability and ongoing governance, while the elevation of loyal allies and family members to key positions reinforces his influence over both political and economic decision-making in the country. The changes are expected to shape the government’s approach to national priorities, economic management, and legislative coordination as Ivory Coast navigates both domestic and global challenges.