Alassane Ouattara: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Alassane Dramane Ouattara (born 1 January 1942 in Dimbokro) is a Muslim political leader in Côte d'Ivoire who was Prime Minister from 1990 to 1993. He represents northerners, who, having surnames similar to those found in the northern neighboring countries, are accused to be immigrants, and thereby denied their full citizenship rights.

According to a constitutional clause regarding dual parentage, added specifically to block his candidature, and which he claimed it was not fitting his case (he said his parents were Ivoirienne), he was disqualified from the 2000 presidential elections.¹ This is a major factor in the Civil war in Côte d'Ivoire.

When asked in an interview about Ouattara's nationality, Burkinabé President Capt. Blaise Compaoré responded, "For us things are simple: he does not come from Burkina Faso, neither by birth, marriage, or naturalization. This man has been Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire."

¹Cyril K. Daddieh. 2001. "Elections and Ethnic Violence in Cote d'Ivoire," African Issues. 29 (1&2)