Félix Houphouët-Boigny

Full Name: Félix Houphouët-Boigny, called Papa Houphouët or Le Vieux (The Old One)
Profession: 1st President of Ivory Coast

Biography: Félix Houphouët-Boigny was an Ivorian politician and physician who served as the first President of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) from its independence in 1960 until his death in 1993. Initially a tribal chief, he became known as the "Father of the Nation" and was a pivotal figure in West African politics and one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state.

Under Houphouët-Boigny's leadership, Côte d'Ivoire became known for its stability and relative prosperity, especially compared to many other post-colonial African nations. He managed to combine a carefully planned domestic economic policies with sound foreign policies to great success for much of his rule.

His policy of close economic cooperation with France, often referred to as "Françafrique," led to significant foreign investment and growth in sectors like cocoa and coffee production. The country became one of the world's leading cocoa producers and experienced what was termed as the "Ivorian miracle."

Houphouët-Boigny's rule, however, was not without controversy. His administration was characterized by allegations of autocratic rule and corruption. He faced minimal opposition as he held a tight grip on power, making use of a single-party system. Despite introducing multi-party politics toward the end of his rule, these democratic institutions were largely seen as instances of controlled opposition.

In terms of his diplomacy, Houphouët-Boigny was a mediator and peace-broker in the region. He played a key role in negotiations between warring factions in countries like Liberia and Angola. Despite this, he was also involved in various machinations within the African continent, often in support of French and American interests.

Houphouët-Boigny invested heavily in the infrastructure and architecture of the capital, Yamoussoukro—which he had moved to hometown, from its previous location in Abidjan—including the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which was then the largest church in the world.

When Houphouët-Boigny died, he was the longest-serving African leader and third longest-serving leader in the world (after Fidel Castro in Cuba and Kim Il Sung in North Korea). Following his death, Côte d'Ivoire suffered years of instability and civil conflict.

Born: October 18, 1905
Birthplace: Yamoussoukro, French West Africa

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Libra

Died: December 7, 1993 (aged 88)
Cause of Death: Prostate cancer