# Henri Konan Bédié

> President of Ivory Coast from 1993 to 1999 (1934-2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q357779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q357779)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Konan_Bédié)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henri-konan-bedie

## Summary
Henri Konan Bédié was an Ivorian politician and diplomat who served as the President of Ivory Coast from 1993 until 1999. Born in 1934 and passing away in 2023, he was a key figure in the country's post-independence political landscape, recognized for his leadership roles and his contributions to national governance.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 5, 1934 (also listed as 1934-01-01)
- **Died**: August 1, 2023
- **Nationality**: Ivorian; also listed with French citizenship
- **Education**: University of Poitiers
- **Known for**: Serving as President of Ivory Coast (1993–1999)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Diplomacy
- **Occupations**: Politician, Diplomat, Minister

## Contributions
Henri Konan Bédié led the nation of Ivory Coast as President from 1993 to 1999, guiding the country's government and political direction during that period. His career in public service included significant roles as a diplomat and minister, contributing to the administration and international representation of the Ivory Coast.

## FAQs
**What was Henri Konan Bédié's role in the Ivory Coast government?**
Henri Konan Bédié served as the President of Ivory Coast from 1993 to 1999. He also held positions as a minister and diplomat, playing a central role in the country's governance.

**What awards did Henri Konan Bédié receive?**
He received several honors including the National Order of the Ivory Coast, the Order of Good Hope, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Lyon-III.

**Where was Henri Konan Bédié educated?**
He was educated at the University of Poitiers, a French university located in Poitiers.

## Why They Matter
Henri Konan Bédié matters as a significant historical figure in Ivorian political history, having held the highest office in the land during a critical period of the nation's development. His tenure as President from 1993 to 1999 marked a specific era in the country's post-independence timeline, following the long presidency of Félix Houphouët-Boigny. His career exemplifies the trajectory of early Ivorian political leaders who transitioned through diplomatic and ministerial roles to the presidency.

## Notable For
- **President of Ivory Coast**: Held office from 1993 to 1999.
- **University of Poitiers Alumnus**: Educated at the historic French university.
- **Award Recipient**: Honored with the National Order of the Ivory Coast and the Order of Good Hope.
- **Academic Recognition**: Received an honorary doctor of University of Lyon-III.
- **Political Career**: Served as a politician, diplomat, and minister.

## Body

### Political Career and Presidency
Henri Konan Bédié served as the President of Ivory Coast for a six-year term spanning from 1993 to 1999. His presidency followed the death of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who had led the country from independence in 1960 until 1993. Bédié's time in office was a defining period in the nation's history, navigating the political transition of the country during the 1990s. Prior to his presidency, he occupied various governmental roles, serving as a minister and representing the country as a diplomat.

### Education and Early Life
Born on May 5, 1934, Henri Konan Bédié pursued higher education in France. He attended the University of Poitiers, an institution established in 1431. This educational background in French academia prepared him for a career in the civil service and politics of Ivory Coast, a former French colony that gained independence in 1960.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Bédié received notable national and international recognition. He was a recipient of the National Order of the Ivory Coast, an order established on December 10, 1960. Additionally, he was awarded the Order of Good Hope, a South African order instituted on February 22, 1973. His academic contributions were recognized with an honorary doctor of University of Lyon-III in France.

### Identifiers and Legacy
Henri Konan Bédié is recorded in numerous international authority files and biographical databases. His identifiers include VIAF (22156323), ISNI (0000000083633460), and the Library of Congress (n94002058). He passed away on August 1, 2023, concluding a life that spanned 89 years. He is also known by aliases including Aimé Henri Konan Bédié and N'zué bah.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. [Côte d’Ivoire – Henri Konan Bédié : « Redevenir président ? Ce serait une revanche ». Jeune Afrique. 2019](https://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/832497/politique/cote-divoire-henri-konan-bedie-redevenir-president-ce-serait-une-revanche/)
4. BnF authorities
5. [Aimé Henri KONAN BÉDIÉ: Président du PDCI-RDA, ancien Président de la République](https://business.abidjan.net/qui/5-politique/67-konan-bedie-aime-henri)
6. [STORY / Ces 10 choses à savoir absolument sur Henri Konan Bédié. Life. 2021](https://lifemag-ci.com/story-ces-10choses-a-savoir-absolument-sur-henri-konan-bedie/)
7. [ENTIDADES ESTRANGEIRAS AGRACIADAS COM ORDENS PORTUGUESAS. Ordens Honoríficas Portuguesas](https://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154&list=1)
8. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000575879)
9. [Source](https://www.univ-lyon3.fr/medias/fichier/docteurs-honoris-causa-depuis-1973_1351869110106.pdf)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. [Source](https://business.abidjan.net/qui/5-politique/67-konan-bedie-aime-henri)
13. [Source](https://lifemag-ci.com/story-ces-10choses-a-savoir-absolument-sur-henri-konan-bedie/)
14. [Henri Konan Bédié. Paris Match](https://www.parismatch.com/People-A-Z/Henri-Konan-Bedie)
15. Persée
16. NUKAT
17. [Décès du Président Henri Konan Bédié à la Pisam : La Côte d'Ivoire perd une figure politique. 2023](https://www.afrique-sur7.fr/494232-deces-du-president-henri-konan-bedie-a-la-pisam-la-cote-divoire-perd-une-figure-politique)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Source](https://ivoirepolitique.org/henri-konan-bedie/)
20. OpenSanctions