Ivorian premier Hamed Bakayoko dies: President

LOME, Togo

Head of the Ivorian government Hamed Bakayoko on Wednesday died of cancer in Germany, announced President Alassane Ouattara on Twitter.

A few days earlier, rumors of his death were circulating as he was transferred to Germany on March 6 for further treatment, while he had previously been in France on Feb. 18 for the same reason.

Bakayoko, 56, has been part of the Ivorian government for a long time, notably as the minister of interior and security, minister of defense, and also served as a mayor.

He has been the country's prime minister since July 2020.

According to Ouattara, he served his country “with dedication and abnegation."

"He was a great statesman, a model for our youth, a personality of great generosity and exemplary loyalty,” the president added.

LOME, Togo

Head of the Ivorian government Hamed Bakayoko on Wednesday died of cancer in Germany, announced President Alassane Ouattara on Twitter.

A few days earlier, rumors of his death were circulating as he was transferred to Germany on March 6 for further treatment, while he had previously been in France on Feb. 18 for the same reason.

Bakayoko, 56, has been part of the Ivorian government for a long time, notably as the minister of interior and security, minister of defense, and also served as a mayor.

He has been the country's prime minister since July 2020.

According to Ouattara, he served his country “with dedication and abnegation."

"He was a great statesman, a model for our youth, a personality of great generosity and exemplary loyalty,” the president added.