The surprising departure of the now former Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Ivory Coast, Abdourahmane Cissé, has given rise to various interpretations.
Abdourahmane Cissé held the strategic position of Secretary General of the Ivorian presidency until November 30th. On that day, a presidential decree officially revoked his appointment as Minister, Secretary General of the Ivorian Presidency. The former Minister of Budget then bid farewell to Alassane Ouattara. The handshake between the two men, the obligatory smiles, and even the presidential thanks expressed that day to the man who became the youngest minister in the Ivorian government in November 2013, were not enough to silence the commentators.
According to well-informed sources, the disagreement between the president and his secretary-general was an open secret. Ouattara was irritated by the disobedience of the young polytechnic engineer. Moreover, Abdourahmane Cissé would have also had issues with Fidèle Sarassoro, chief of staff and right-hand man of the president. Even with the deputy secretary of the presidency, Masséré Touré Koné, there would have been some quarrels.
According to the latest information, Abdourahmane Cissé, who remains silent until now, has decided to settle permanently in London where this former trader began his career at Goldman Sachs International.
As a reminder, Cissé had also held the strategic position of Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
"To all these roles I have held, I have given my best to meet the expectations of President Alassane Ouattara and the Ivorian people," he wrote in his farewell message posted on social media. "It has been years full of challenges, with moments of joy and doubt, and an unforgettable experience," he concludes.