IVORY COAST MOURNS PM COULIBALY

Ivory Coast’s Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly has died after falling ill at a ministerial meeting.

The 61-year-old had been chosen as the ruling party’s candidate for October’s presidential election, after President Alassane Ouattara said he would not seek a third term in office.

Mr. Coulibaly had only just returned from France where he had received two-month’ heart treatment.

President Alassane said Mr Gon Coulibaly had become unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was taken to hospital where he later died.

“I pay tribute to my younger brother, my son, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who was for 30 years my closest partner,” the president said. “I salute the memory of a statesman of great loyalty, devotion and love for the homeland.”

Mr Gon Coulibaly’s death creates huge uncertainty over the election.

He had received a heart transplant in 2012 and had travelled to Paris on 2 May for the insertion of a stent.

He returned last Thursday saying: “I am back to take my place by the side of the president, to continue the task of developing and building our country.”

Mr Gon Coulibaly was among the favorites to win the presidential election.