A new chapter begins for Ivory Coast's highest administrative court. Newly appointed as head of the Council of State, Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert officially took office this Saturday during a handover ceremony with his predecessor, Yao Kouakou Patrice.

In front of an audience of dignitaries, including Gilbert Kafana Koné, High Representative of the Head of State, the new president expressed his deep gratitude to the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, while displaying his determination in the face of the magnitude of his new mission.

To meet challenges with humility and rigor

Aware of the responsibilities now resting on his shoulders, the former president of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) did not hide the importance of the tasks that await him:

"I am aware of the challenges and expectations associated with this appointment. I make a firm but humble commitment to live up to the trust placed in me."

Honoring the past to better build the future

Placed under the sign of continuity and respect, this handover was an opportunity for Mr. Coulibaly-Kuibiert to pay a vibrant tribute to his predecessor, Yao Kouakou Patrice, the first architect of the modernization of the institution.

1. A solid legacy: He praised the work of his "dear elder" who was able to build the foundations of the Council of State since its separation from the Supreme Court.
2. A collaborative approach: The new president stated that he would not hesitate to draw on the experience of his predecessor to successfully steer his course.

An inclusive vision for the institution

To succeed in this mandate, Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert is counting on unity. He has issued a solemn appeal to all administrative staff, regardless of rank, inviting them to fully commit to this new dynamic. The stated objective is clear: to sustainably strengthen the institutional anchoring of the Council of State within the Republic.

As a reminder, it was by a presidential decree signed on May 7, 2026 that the head of state entrusted the keys to this high institution to Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert.