Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – 27 May 2015: The President of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Allassane Dramane Ouattarra, has told the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, that he will retire after his second term as President, if elected. The AU Commission Chairperson informed the press after an audience with President Allassane Ouattara on Thursday 28th May 2015.

The AU Commission Chairperson met with the President of Côte d’Ivoire on the margins of the 50th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) taking place at its Headquarters in Abidjan.
President Ouattarra informed Dr. Dlamini Zuma that election plans are well underway and going smoothly. The elections are set to hold in October this year. He said that the process aims at being as inclusive as possible, and ensuring maximum participation of all stakeholders.

The two leaders also discussed past and upcoming elections, both in the West African sub-region and the rest of the continent. The situation in Burundi featured, with the Chairperson briefing President Ouattarra on measures taken by the AU before the situation arrived at its current stage. Both agreed on the need to continue working hard to ensure a return to normalcy for elections to be organised in a conducive environment.

President Ouattara also briefed Dr. Dlamini Zuma on the improvements of the socio-economic situation in Côte d’Ivoire over the last few years. Dr. Dlamini Zuma said the impact of the socio-economic growth is visible on the faces of the people in the streets of Abidjan. The President projected the growth to reach double digits next year.

On the AfDB, whose 50th Annual Meeting has brought in the AU Commission Chairperson and other dignitaries, President Allassane Ouattara showered his praise to the outgoing AfDB Group President, Dr. Donald Kaberuka. “He has done an excellent job,” President Ouattara remarked, adding that the bank is right now in an excellent position.

JEE/