APA – Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) – The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of President Alassane Ouattara, members of the government, diplomats and heads of institution.
Chantal Nanaba Camara, the new president of the Constitutional Council, took the oath of office, according to the organic law, in the Salle des pas perdus of the Presidency.
“I pledge to faithfully fulfill my duties, to exercise them with complete independence and impartiality, to respect the constitution, and to maintain the secrecy of deliberations and votes,” declared Chantal Nanaba Camara, her left hand resting on the constitution and her right hand up.
She also undertook “not to take any public position in the legal, political, economic or social fields, nor to give any private consultation on matters falling within the remit of the Constitutional Council.”
The ceremony was a historic one, marking the first time in Cote d’Ivoire that a woman has been appointed President of the Constitutional Council. Chantal Nanaba Camara has been a member of the judiciary for almost 45 years.
“Your appointment is also our fulfillment of the commitments I made in the Constitution to encourage the promotion of women to positions of responsibility in institutions, public administrations and companies,”
President Ouattara said
“Because of this,” he added, “First Lady Dominique Ouattara was keen to be present today at the swearing-in of this brilliant magistrate.” Chantal Nanaba Camara, appointed on May 9, 2023, officially takes office on July 21, 2023.
“I am counting on your dedication, your rigor and your impartiality in carrying out your mission in the service of Ivorians, with the fundamental law as your compass,” said Alassane Ouattara to the new president of the Constitutional Council.
Addressing the outgoing President of the Constitutional Council, Mamadou Kone, in office since 2015, President Ouattara announced that he intended to entrust him with “another important responsibility” in a few weeks’ time.
Chantal Nanaba, who takes over from Kone Mamadou, was head of the Court of Cassation and president of the Judicial Chamber of the Supreme Court, replacing Tia Kone.
The official handover between the new head of the Constitutional Council and her predecessor is scheduled for Thursday July 20, 2023.
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