1. Early Life and Education
Amadou Gon Coulibaly was born on February 10, 1959, in Abidjan, which was then part of French West Africa and is now the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Details of his childhood, family background, and specific educational journey beyond his later professional qualifications are not extensively documented in the available sources, but his early career suggests a background in technical and advisory roles.
2. Early Career
Coulibaly began his professional life in the early 1990s, serving as a technical advisor to the then-Prime Minister, Alassane Ouattara. This early collaboration marked the beginning of a long and significant political alliance. Beyond his advisory role, Coulibaly also held elective offices; he was a member of the National Assembly from 1995 to 1999. Following this period, he assumed the role of Mayor of Korhogo, a key city in northern Côte d'Ivoire. His experience in local governance further broadened his political expertise. From October 2002 to February 2010, Coulibaly served as the Minister of Agriculture, a critical portfolio in the largely agrarian Ivorian economy.
3. Political Career
Amadou Gon Coulibaly's political career was marked by a steady ascent through significant government positions, closely intertwined with the rise of President Alassane Ouattara.
3.1. Secretary General of the Presidency
Following Alassane Ouattara's assumption of the presidency, Coulibaly was appointed Secretary General of the Presidency, a powerful and influential role. He served in this capacity from 2011 until January 2017. In this position, he played a crucial role in the administration, managing presidential affairs and contributing significantly to policy formulation and implementation, acting as a close confidant and key aide to President Ouattara.
3.2. Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire
On January 10, 2017, President Alassane Ouattara appointed Coulibaly as the Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire. The composition of his new government was announced the following day, on January 11. This new cabinet was largely similar to the previous government led by Daniel Kablan Duncan, with most key ministers retaining their positions. However, it was notably smaller, consisting of 28 ministers compared to the previous administration's 35, reflecting a streamlining of government. On July 19, 2017, Coulibaly was additionally assigned responsibility for the ministerial portfolio of the budget, further centralizing financial oversight under his leadership. His tenure as Prime Minister saw him re-appointed in July 2018, after President Ouattara dissolved the government amid internal tensions within the governing coalition, entrusting Coulibaly with the task of forming a new administration.
3.3. Party Leadership and Presidential Candidacy
Coulibaly was a central figure in the Rally of the Republicans (RDR), the ruling party in Côte d'Ivoire. At the RDR's Third Ordinary Congress in September 2017, he was designated as the First Vice-President of the party, solidifying his position as a potential successor within the party's hierarchy. His influence and standing within the party grew significantly, culminating in his designation as the party's candidate for the 2020 presidential election. At the time of his death, he was widely regarded as one of the leading favorites to win the election, indicating the strong support and confidence he commanded from both the ruling party and the electorate.
4. Other Public Activities
Beyond his national political roles, Amadou Gon Coulibaly also engaged in significant international public activities, reflecting his global stature. From 2017 until his death, he served as an ex officio member of the Board of Governors for several prominent international financial institutions. These included the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which is part of the World Bank Group, and the World Bank itself. His involvement in these bodies underscored his engagement with global economic governance and his contributions to international development policy.
5. Health and Death
Amadou Gon Coulibaly had a history of heart-related health issues, having undergone heart surgery in 2012. In May 2020, amidst his duties as Prime Minister and his presidential candidacy, he traveled to France on May 2 for a heart examination and to rest. After approximately two months, he returned to Côte d'Ivoire on July 2, 2020. However, his health deteriorated shortly after his return. On July 8, 2020, he became unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting. He was immediately transported to a hospital in Abidjan, where he died the same day. His death, attributed to a heart attack, occurred at the age of 61.
6. Legacy and Assessment
Amadou Gon Coulibaly is remembered as a pivotal political figure in modern Ivorian history, deeply associated with the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara. His career, spanning several decades, saw him hold key positions that shaped the political and economic direction of Côte d'Ivoire. As a technical advisor, mayor, minister, and Secretary General of the Presidency, he demonstrated a consistent commitment to public service and governance. His tenure as Prime Minister, from 2017 until his unexpected death, was characterized by efforts to consolidate the government's agenda and manage national affairs. His designation as the ruling party's presidential candidate for 2020 underscored his political prominence and the trust placed in him by President Ouattara and the Rally of the Republicans. Coulibaly's legacy is primarily defined by his unwavering loyalty to President Ouattara and his instrumental role in implementing the administration's policies, contributing to the nation's political stability and development in the years following the 2010-2011 Ivorian crisis.