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Alassane Ouattara is an Ivorian politican. Outtara has been named the new chairman of the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) on February, 18, 2012.
Ouattara recieved his M.A. and Ph.D in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania . He completed his undergraduate studies at Drexel Institute of Technology.
As a trained economist, Ouattara joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1968. In 1973, he was appointed as the Chargé de Mission to Paris for the Central bank of Western African States (BCEAO). He served there from 1973 to 1975. At BCEAO, he also held the positions of Special Advisor to the Governor and Director of Research. In 1984, when he was appointed as Director of the African Department. He later also served as Cousellor to the Managing Director in May 1987.
In 1990, Ouattara left IMF to begin his political career in Ivory Coast. He was appointed the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast in November 1990. Ouattara briefly carried out presidential duties for Felix Houphouët-Boigny when he was ill. Following the death of Houphouët-Boigny , Ouattara resigned from his post as PM.
Ouattara returned to IMF in 1994 to serve as the Deputy Managing Director. He was in this position until 1999.
In 1999, Ouattara returned to Ivory Coast. He was elected as the President of the Rally of the Republicans in August 1999.
Ouattara is currently a presidental candidate in Ivory Coast's 2010 elections. The elections are set to take place on Oct. 31st.
Source: IMF
West Africa: Ecowas Gets New Chairperson, Commits to Peace
The Economic Communities of West African States have committed themselves to promote peace and security after naming Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara as its new chairman.
Côte d'Ivoire Votes in Landmark Elections
Polls in Côte d'Ivoire opened Sunday in presidential elections that are seen as a chance to reunite a country that was divided by civil war.