Ex-Ivory Coast PM Hamed Bakayoko buried on family farm

Former Ivorian prime minister Hamed Bakayoko was on Friday, March 19; buried on a family farm after a private ceremony.

Local media portals reported that Bakayoko was buried next to his father's grave on the farm which is about 6km (nearly four miles) from the western town of Séguéla.

The 61-year-old died in germany from cancer according to official government communication. A series of memorials had been held since his remains were returned from Germany where he died whiles seeking medical treatment.

Before the burial, the family attended Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Séguéla.

The day before, a national funeral held in the capital Abidjan saw the attendance of a number of leaders from across the subregion and beyond.

Bakayoko was appointed prime minister in July 2020 following the death of his predecessor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died of a heart attack. Former government spokesman Patrick Achi has since been appointed as interim PM.

Bakayoko, also known as "Hambak" was a very close ally of president Ouattara as he was serving as Defense and Prime Minister. His defense portfolio has since been given to a relative of the president.

Adieu cher Hamed.
Que ton âme repose en paix !
Que Dieu t’accueille dans son paradis ! pic.twitter.com/MWeYPre1az

— Alassane Ouattara (@AOuattara_PRCI) March 19, 2021