The professor Adolphe Wheat
The announcement of the sudden death of the professor Adolphe Wheat Kessé caused a shock wave yesterday Friday November 8, 2024.
Teaching at the University of Korhogo, he went to the political capital, Yamoussoukroto participate in the congress of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) which ends this Saturday, November 9, 2024. The body of this former committed activist was found lifeless in his hotel room, leaving many questions surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance.
Adolphe Wheat Kessé was not only a respected academic; he was also a leading political figure within the FPI. His career within the political party is marked by his long-standing commitment. First president of the Youth of the Ivorian Popular Front (JFPI), he contributed to the emergence of numerous activist executives and played a determining role in the structuring of this organization. His unwavering commitment to FPI strengthened during the crisis that shook the party in 2014. While some members distanced themselves, Wheat Kessé remained loyal to Pascal Affi N'Guessan, taking a position in favor of the latter during the split that divided the FPI.
In his locality of origin, Biankoumathe professor Adolphe Wheat Kessé had established himself as an influential political figure. Regularly present during local electoral campaigns, he never stopped defending the colors of his party, mobilizing supporters and carrying high the ideals of the FPI. His active involvement and constant presence have made him a key player in the local political scene, appreciated both for his passionate speeches and for his pragmatic approach.
The context of his death remains shrouded in mystery for the moment. The first reports indicate that he was discovered lifeless in his hotel room, with no signs of struggle or distress visible. The academic and political community is wondering about this unexpected death which occurs while Wheat Kessé participated in the congress of FPIa crucial event for the future of the party.
The disappearance ofAdolphe Wheat Kessé leaves a huge void within the family of FPI and among his close collaborators. For many, he embodied the fighting spirit and dedication of the party's early activists. His interventions in the decision-making bodies of the FPIhis positions during internal debates and his unwavering commitment have earned him the respect of his peers, even beyond internal political divisions. Many will remember him as a man of conviction, capable of defending his ideas with firmness and courtesy.
HAS Yamoussoukrothe atmosphere of the congress FPI was deeply affected by this sad news. The participants, initially shocked, observed a moment of contemplation in memory of this historic activist.
The death ofAdolphe Wheat Kessé intervenes in a particular context for the FPIwhile the party tries to reposition itself on the national political scene. This congress, which was to mark a turning point in the history of political training, is now overshadowed by this unexpected mourning. The academic's political family, as well as those close to him, remain awaiting the results of the investigation to understand what could have happened.
The journey ofAdolphe Wheat Kessé, his commitments and his struggles have forged the image of a man of character, faithful to his convictions and to his party. His sudden disappearance Yamoussoukro is a huge loss for the FPI and for all those who knew and appreciated him. Beyond the controversies and divisions, he will remain in the collective memory as an emblematic figure of political activism in Ivory Coast.
Jean Chresus, Abidjan
