Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has been sworn in for a fourth term following an election in which his two major challengers were barred from contesting.
The 83-year-old leader secured re-election on October 25 with nearly 90 percent of the vote, despite a relatively low voter turnout of 50.1 percent.
At the inauguration ceremony, Ouattara—who has ruled the West African nation since emerging victorious from the violently contested 2010 election—pledged to “loyally defend the constitution” as he begins another term in office.
The event drew dignitaries from across the continent, with leaders from 11 African countries in attendance. Former heads of state, including Niger’s ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, also graced the occasion.
France, Ivory Coast’s former colonial power and key ally, was represented by National Assembly Speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet. The United States sent Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, who was scheduled to meet with Ouattara later in the day.
Ouattara’s two strongest political rivals—former president Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam—were excluded from the presidential ballot.
Gbagbo was disqualified due to a criminal conviction, while Thiam was barred over nationality concerns. Neither attended the inauguration.
