The former Credit Suisse CEO is once again sitting in a private jet. But this time it's to a personal destination associated with many memories.
On Monday, former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam is scheduled to arrive in Abidjan, the largest city on the Ivory Coast, as reported by the portal «Afrique sur 7» (in French).
Emigrated after Coup
It will be a memorable moment for the Ivorian-born Thiam when he steps off the private jet in Abidjan (see video below). For the first time in 22 years, he is returning to his home country, which he left under difficult circumstances. In 1999, former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bédié, under whom Thiam served as minister, was ousted by Colonel Robert Guéï and flown out to Togo by the French army.
Thiam, who also holds French citizenship, also left the country and embarked on a business career which eventually led him to head Credit Suisse from 2015 to 2020.
A Trip Delayed
Thiam had actually planned to return to Abidjan at the end of July, but cancelled the trip at the last minute after the Ivory Coast authorities imposed a ban on meetings in connection with the ex-minister's visit. Thiam's spokesman now expressly stated that the visit was of a private nature, although there are plans to address personalities of the country.
He had already been touted as the future president of the West African country, which continues to be ruled by the 80-year-old incumbent Alassane Ouattara, who overcame a ban on serving a third term in 2020 amid a controversial election process. Thiam for his part has always denied harboring political ambitions in his home country, even bank in his days at Credit Suisse.
Despite his mixed track record at the Credit Suisse, he is certainly among the continent's high-profile figures. As an envoy of the African Union, he advocated debt cuts for African countries, and for years has also been involved in various other committees for African issues. With that in mind, he is a figure to keep an eye on in his home country.
