Seydou Diarra facts for kids

Seydou Elimane Diarra (born November 23, 1933 – died July 19, 2020) was an important politician from Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast. He served as the country's Prime Minister twice. First in 2000, and then again from 2003 to 2005. He was known for his diplomatic skills and for being a neutral figure during a difficult time in his country's history.

Life and Career of Seydou Diarra

Seydou Diarra was born on November 23, 1933, in a place called Katiola in Ivory Coast. Before he became a government leader, he worked as an Ambassador for his country. He represented Ivory Coast in important places like the European Economic Community (a group of European countries working together) and Brazil. He also led the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ivory Coast, which helps businesses.

Becoming Prime Minister

In December 1999, there was a big change in the government of Ivory Coast. After this change, Seydou Diarra was chosen for an important role. On January 4, 2000, he became the Minister of State for Planning, Development, and Government Cooperation. This was under the leader at the time, Robert Guéï. Soon after, from May 2000 to October 2000, Seydou Diarra served as the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast.

Helping End the Civil War

Seydou Diarra was asked to be Prime Minister again in February 2003. This happened as part of a plan to end the civil war that had been going on from 2002 to 2003. People saw him as a fair and neutral person, which meant he wasn't taking sides in the conflict. This made him a good choice to help bring peace.

However, some people who supported the President, Laurent Gbagbo, felt that Diarra was not strong enough against the groups who were fighting. They wanted him to resign, especially after these groups did not give up their weapons in October 2004.

On December 5, 2005, a group called the African Union helped decide that Seydou Diarra would be replaced. Charles Konan Banny took over as Prime Minister on December 7.

His Education

Seydou Diarra came from the northern part of Ivory Coast and was a Muslim. He received a scholarship from France, which helped him study abroad. He went to school in La Rochelle and then earned a special degree in agricultural engineering. This means he studied how to use engineering to improve farming, at the École nationale supérieure agronomique de Montpellier.

Later Life and Passing

Seydou Diarra passed away in Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, on July 19, 2020. He was 86 years old.