Felix Houphouet-Boigny (October 18, 1905 - December 7, 1993) was the first President of Ivory Coast after its independence in 1960. He served as the country's leader for 33 years, implementing a policy of non-violence and non-ideological diplomacy. Houphouet-Boigny is considered one of the key figures in the African independence movement and was highly respected on the international stage.
