Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara has declined an opportunity to continue as leader of the ruling Rally of Republicans (RDR) party.
According to reports, the 75-year-old declined leadership of the ruling party during RDR’s third congress held in the capital Abidjan over the weekend, but has put forward a female nominee for the post.
Turning down the post came as a shock to most party loyalists and politicians across the continent.
His nominee, Henriette Diabate, was subsequently voted leader by acclamation, whiles the President was also appointed an honorary president of RDR.
Ouattara won elections in 2010, but took office only in 2011 because of the political crisis at the time.
He was re-elected in 2015 for a second and last mandate which ends in 2020.
photo credit: Africa news