Henri Konan Bédié

Henri Konan Bédié (born 5 May 1934) is an Ivorian politician who served as the second President of Ivory Coast from 1993 to 1999. He was the leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) from 1993 to 2019.

Bédié was born in Daoukro, Ivory Coast, on 5 May 1934. He studied economics in France and the United States, and he worked as a banker before entering politics. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1985, and he served as Minister of Economy and Finance from 1986 to 1990.

In 1993, Bédié succeeded Félix Houphouët-Boigny as President of Ivory Coast. He was reelected in 1995, but he was overthrown in a military coup in 1999. He went into exile in France, but he returned to Ivory Coast in 2000.

Bédié was the PDCI's candidate in the 2010 presidential election, but he was defeated by Alassane Ouattara. He again ran for president in 2015, but he was defeated by Ouattara again.

In 2019, Bédié stepped down as leader of the PDCI. He was succeeded by Pascal Affi N'Guessan.

Bédié is a controversial figure in Ivorian politics. He is often criticized for his authoritarian rule and his close ties to France. However, he is also seen as a symbol of stability and unity in a country that has been plagued by political violence.