Former Ivory Coast president dies aged 89

By Noel Ebrin Brou, ABIDJAN Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast's former president Henri Konan Bédié has died aged 89 in hospital in Abidjan, a member of his party's communications team said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Bédié succeeded Ivory Coast's post-colonial founding father, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, serving as president from 1993 to 1999 when he was overthrown by the military in the country's first-ever coup.

Despite being born into a relatively poor family, he excelled at school and was picked to study in France where he gained a doctorate in economics.

He attempted to return to power three years ago but was defeated by his long-time political rival President Alassane Ouattara.

The cause of Mr Bédié‘a death is unknown.

His death will be felt as a big loss for the whole country.

Despite his rivalry with President Ouattara, he was mostly seen as a wise man who always cherished peace and an advocate for national unity.

Many Ivorians are paying tribute to him on social media.