Political Transformations and the Course of Governance in Ivory Coast

from French Rule to Independence 1960

Abstract

 The research addresses the political transformations and the course of governance in Côte d'Ivoire from French domination to independence. It focuses on the impact of the colonial administration on society and local politics, the emergence of the national movement, and the role of leaders and educated elites in leading political demands and establishing political parties. It also examines the escalation of national demands, negotiations with France, and the internal and external factors that contributed to achieving independence. The study concludes that political developments, national awareness, and political organization were the main factors in Côte d'Ivoire’s transition from colonial rule to the building of an independent state. The research is divided into several sections. The first section, titled “A General Historical Overview of Côte d'Ivoire,” discusses the origin of the country’s name, its geographical location, population structure, and economic conditions. The second section, titled “French Colonization of Côte d'Ivoire and Resistance Movements,” examines French penetration, the treaties signed by tribal leaders with France, and the early national resistance movements, including the first led by Samori Touré during the years 1887–1898, and the second led by Boulé from 1891–1902. The third section, titled “The French Administration in Côte d'Ivoire,” addresses the administrative and economic conditions during the period of French colonial rule. The fourth section, titled “The National Movement and Its Role in the Independence of Côte d'Ivoire in 1960,” covers the factors behind the emergence of the national movement, the establishment of the Ivorian Democratic Party, and Côte d'Ivoire’s independence in 1960. The conclusion presents the most important findings reached by the research.