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{{short description|Burkinabé politician}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=November 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Underlinked|date=November 2015}}}}'''Ablassé Ouédrago''' (born 30 June 1953 in [[Dabaré]]) is a [[Demographics of Burkina Faso|Burkinabé]] economist, diplomat and politician.
| name = Ablassé Ouédrago

| office1 = Member of the [[National Assembly of Burkina Faso]]
From March 1994 to February 1999, Ouédraogo served as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Burkina Faso)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] for [[Burkina Faso]]. From February to November 1999, he served as Special Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso. In those positions, he helped influence the country's foreign policy. He is the founder and current president of the [[Alternative Faso|Faso Autrement]] party. In December 2012, Ouédrago was elected to the Burkina Faso National Party.
| term_start1 = December 2012
| term_end1 = November 2020
| office2 = Deputy Director-General of the [[World Trade Organization]]
| term_start2 = 1999
| term_end2 = 2002
| office3 = [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Burkina Faso)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]
| term_start3 = March 1994
| term_end3 = February 1999
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|06|30|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Dabaré]], Burkina Faso
| death_date =
| death_place =
| education = [[Omar Bongo University|National University of Gabon]], [[University of Nice Sophia Antipolis|University of Nice]]
| party = [[Alternative Faso]] (since 2011)<br/>[[Congress for Democracy and Progress]] (before 2011)<ref name=president2015jeueneafrique/>
| children = 2<ref name=webmanagercenter/>
}}
'''Ablassé Ouédraogo''' (born 30 June 1953 in [[Dabaré]]) is a [[Demographics of Burkina Faso|Burkinabé]] economist, diplomat and politician. Ouédraogo served as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Burkina Faso)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] for [[Burkina Faso]] between 1994 and 1999.<ref name=co2bit/><ref name=wto/> He is the founder of the [[Alternative Faso]] party and has served as its president since 2012,<ref name=bnn>{{cite web|url=https://bnn.network/world/burkina-faso/burkina-fasos-dr-ablasse-ouedraogo-urges-customary-and-religious-authorities-to-address-countrys-uncertainties/|title=Burkina Faso’s Dr. Ablassé Ouédraogo Urges Customary and Religious Authorities to Address Country’s Uncertainties|last=Adewole|first=Segun|date=12 October 2023|publisher=BNN|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=president2015jeueneafrique/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lefasoautrement.org/ |title=Home |website=lefasoautrement.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727150908/http://www.lefasoautrement.org/|archive-date=27 July 2011|language=fr}}{{nonspecific|date=November 2023}}</ref> and was elected president of the [[National Union for Democracy and Development]] on 8 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wakatsera.com/burkina-elections-la-coder-preconise-un-dialogue-national-inclusif-sincere-et-ouvert/|title=Burkina/Elections: la CODER préconise un "dialogue national inclusif, sincère et ouvert"|trans-title=Burkina/Elections: CODER recommends an “inclusive, sincere and open national dialogue”|date=4 June 2020|author=Boureima|publisher=Wakat Séra|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wakatsera.com/coalition-pour-la-democratie-et-la-reconciliationcoder-ablasse-ouedraogo-de-nouveau-president/|title=Coalition pour la Démocratie et la Réconciliation(CODER): Ablassé Ouédraogo de nouveau président|trans-title=Coalition for Democracy and Reconciliation (CODER): Ablassé Ouédraogo as new president|date=8 September 2018|author=Boureima|publisher=Wakat Séra|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref>


==Early years and education==
==Early years and education==
Ouédraogo was born in [[Dabaré]], [[Pabré Department]], in [[Burkina Faso]]'s province of [[Kadiogo]] on 30 June 1953.<ref name=wathibio/> Born to a farmer, he was raised in a [[Muslim]] [[Mossi people|Mossi]] family<ref name=jeuneafrique2015/> in [[Moaga]].<ref name=jeuneafriqueinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/234008/politique/burkina-ablass-ou-draogo-j-ai-toutes-mes-chances-la-pr-sidentielle-d-octobre/|title=Burkina – Ablassé Ouédraogo : " J’ai toutes mes chances à la présidentielle d’octobre "|trans-title=Burkina – Ablassé Ouédraogo: “I have every chance in the October presidential election”|last=Roger|first=Benjamin|date=8 June 2015|publisher=Jeune Afrique|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref> He attended Cercle de Boussé for primary school then Lycée Philippe Zinda Kaboré in [[Ouagadougou]], where he earned a [[Baccalauréat]] in [[Baccalauréat#Baccalauréat général (Pre-2019 reform)|Economics and Social Sciences]]. He studied economics at the [[Omar Bongo University|National University of Gabon]] on a scholarship from the [[Association of African Universities]] from 1973 to 1975 and received a [[Diplôme d'études universitaires générales|diploma in general economics]].<ref name=wathibio/> He then pursued his doctorate in [[development economics]] at the [[University of Nice Sophia Antipolis|University of Nice]] in France and successfully defended his dissertation, "Multinational firms and the industrialization of developing countries," on 15 December 1981 with high honors.<ref name=wathibio/><ref name=webmanagercenter/><ref name=wto/> After returning to Burkina Faso in January, he spent 7 months teaching in the [[University of Ouagadougou]]'s School of Economics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://burkina24.com/2015/11/16/a-la-decouverte-des-candidats-ablasse-ouedraogo/|title=A la découverte des candidats : Ablassé Ouédraogo|trans-title=Discovering the candidates: Ablassé Ouédraogo|last=Kindo|first=Noufou|date=16 November 2015|publisher=Burkina 24|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref>

Ouédraogo was born on 30 June 1953 in Dabaré, Pabré Department, in the province of Kadiogo in [[Burkina Faso]]. Drawing on an impressive career in development, diplomacy and politics, he is the current President of [http://www.lefasoautrement.org the Faso Autrement] (Faso Reimagined) Party, and a candidate in the presidential elections taking place on 29 November 2015. Ouédrago is the founder of the liberal centrist Faso Autrement Party, which obtained its receipt of legal existence on 12 September 2011. Its motto is: “Nothing stops an idea whose time has come.”

The son of a farmer, Ouédrago is a member of the Mossi ethnic group and is Muslim by religion. He attended the Cercle de Boussé public primary school before completing his secondary education at the Lycée Philippe Zinda Kaboré in [[Ouagadougou]]. Holder of a Baccalaureate in economics, Ouédrago received a scholarship from the Association of African Universities to study economics at the [[Omar Bongo University|National University of Gabon]], in Libreville, from 1973 to 1975. Upon obtaining his degree, he enrolled in the University of Nice in France to pursue further study in economics from 1975 to 1981. He would go on to defend his doctorate in economic sciences with a specialization in development economics, for which he earned high honors and special jury commendation on 15 December 1981. His dissertation examined “Multinational firms and the industrialization of developing countries.” Returning home in January 1982, Ouédrago taught economics at the Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques (ESSEC, known today as UFR-SEG) of [[University of Ouagadougou]] from January to July 1982, before embarking on a career in the international arena.


==Political career==
==Political career==
Ouédraogo's political career began on an international level with roles within the [[United Nations Development Programme]], starting as Deputy Administrator for the [[United Nations Industrial Development Organization]] in [[Niamey, Niger]] from 1982 to 1984. He was then Head of Programme in [[Conakry]], [[Guinea]], from 1984 to 1986; Deputy Resident Representative to the [[Organization of African Unity]] (OAU) and the [[United Nations Economic Commission for Africa|Economic Commission for Africa]] (ECA) in [[Addis Ababa]] (1986-1988) and in [[Kinshasa]], [[Zaire]]; and [[Resident Representative]] in [[Brazzaville]] (1988-1991). He also worked as Regional Director for East Africa of the UN office for the [[Sudan]]-[[Sahel]] Region in [[Nairobi]]. In his last role with the UN, he supported the [[Intergovernmental Authority on Development]], [[Southern African Development Coordination Conference]], and the [[United Nations Environment Programme]] in addition to the OAU and ECA (1993-1994).<ref name=webmanagercenter/><ref name=co2bit/><ref name=wto/>


Ouédraogo's political career in Burkina Faso began with his appointment as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Burkina Faso)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] in March 1994, a role he held until February 1999, when he served as Special Advisor to the [[President of Burkina Faso|President]]<ref name=wto/><ref name=president2015jeueneafrique/><ref name=co2bit/> for nine months. As minister, he focused on developing a strategic reorientation of the country's [[foreign policy]] through the development and implementation of the concept of "development diplomacy," which channeled a greater number of resources towards development and economic stimulation. This, paired with Burkina Faso's growing reputation as a [[Sanctuary|safe haven]], influenced the decision to hold{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} the [[Organization of African Unity|OAU]] Summit of Heads of State and Government there in 1998.<ref name=webmanagercenter/> The country held the year-long presidential term in 1998-1999.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} The 1998 [[Africa Cup of Nations]] was also held there.<ref name=webmanagercenter/> In late 1998, he was Head of the Delegation of Burkina Faso at the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a Member of the Presidential Delegation at the 20th and 21st Summits of Heads of State of France and Africa, and a Burkina Faso representative at the [[OECD]] Forum.<ref name=wto/>
'''Participation in government'''

Ouédrago served first as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Burkina Faso from March 1994 to February 1999, then as Special Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso from February to November 1999. From these positions, he orchestrated the strategic reorientation of the country's foreign policy through the development and implementation of the concept of “development diplomacy.” This approach, on the one hand, enabled the channeling of greater resources toward development and stimulation of the local economy, and, on the other, helped raise the country's profile as a safe haven, solidifying Burkina Faso's place in the community of nations at global, continental and sub-regional levels. This allowed Burkina Faso to gain, among other notable achievements, the Presidency of the Organization of African Unity for the first time in 1998 – 1999. The country also has hosted numerous marquee international events, such as the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Africa and France in December 1996, the African Cup of Nations in February 1998, and the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government in July 1998, as well as other large ministerial conferences of various sectors.
Ouédrago also has been a major player in peace and development efforts throughout Africa, notably contributing to the resolution of the Tuareg rebellion in Niger and Mali, and helping to bring an end to conflicts in Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Burundi, as well as between Ethiopia and Eritrea during a particularly turbulent period.

'''Entry into the Burkinabé political opposition'''
Taking note of the excesses of the regime of President Blaise Compaoré, and wishing to make a positive contribution, Ouédrago decided to make his official entry into politics by joining the ranks of the opposition. He founded his own party, Faso Autrement (Faso Reimagined), with a liberal centrist ideology, in June 2011.
In so doing, Ouédrago envisaged the political, economic and social transformation of a Burkina Faso united and reimagined, one that would strive for socioeconomic progress for all in a stable and secure environment. At the core of this strategy was the development of human capital for [[inclusive growth]] and sustainable development for all Burkinabé, with a more just and equitable distribution of the fruits of growth and development.

In December 2012, Ouédrago was elected for the first time as [http://www.assembleenationale.bf/spip.php?page=depute&id_article=51&id=59 Member of Parliament]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} to the Burkina Faso National Assembly in the Fifth Legislature of the Fourth Republic, representing for that half-term his newly created party. In this capacity, he helped to improve operations of the legislature and to strengthen policy debate among Parliamentarians, through the interventions of the Burkinabé political opposition.

Ouédrago also played a significant and decisive role in combating the modification to Article 37 of the Burkinabé Constitution governing presidential term limits. He served as national coordinator of the political opposition protests in Ouagadougou, including the last and most memorable protest of Tuesday 28 October 2014.

'''Popular insurrection of 30 – 31 October 2014'''

Ouédrago was front and center in the management of the political crisis of 30 – 31 October 2014, which brought an end to the 27-year regime of President Blaise Compaoré. Overnight, the country entered a 12-month period of transition, with the goal of organizing fair, free and transparent legislative and presidential elections on 11 October 2015, in response to the call of the Burkinabé people for turnover and change.
His key role in the management of the crisis and in the implementation of the political transition demonstrated his capacities as leader and steward of the nation's interests in preserving social peace, stability and security.

Ouédrago was noted for facilitating and participating in the drafting of the Transition Charter. He led essential consultations and mediations with major stakeholders in the crisis, and engaged with facilitators from the international community. This allowed for the restoration, in the brief span of 15 days, of Constitutional order and stability in the country. In addition to serving as Co-Rapporteur of the Drafting Commission of the Transition Charter, Ouédrago was a member of the College for Appointing the President of the Transition.

In June 2015, Ouédrago was tapped by Faso Autrement to take his social project forward into the presidential race, and to lead his team to the conquest of the National Assembly.

In September 2015, Ouédrago once again demonstrated his considerable mediation and conflict management skills by contributing to the successful effort to preserve peace and stability in Burkina Faso following the failed coup d’état on 17 September 2015 staged by the former Regiment of Presidential Security (ex-RSP). A man of unity, reconciliation, tolerance and forgiveness, he strove to defuse tensions, thereby helping to avoid confrontation among the military factions and avert chaos.

==International career==

In the international arena, Ouédrago has served in various high-level functions in which, once again, he has been called upon to manage crises and quell conflicts, all while working for the furtherance of development and for the maintenance of peace and security.
From 1982 to 1994, Ouédrago worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where he served, successively, as Deputy Administrator for the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development in Niamey, Niger, from 1982 to 1984; Head of Programme in Conakry, Guinea, from 1984 to 1986; Deputy Resident Representative to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1986 to 1988; Resident Representative a.i. in Brazzaville, Congo, from 1988 to 1991; Deputy Resident Representative in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) and Regional Director for East Africa of the United Nations Office for the Sudan-Sahel Region (UNSO) in Nairobi, Kenya.
During this period, Ouédrago contributed to the implementation of several multi-sectorial development programmes, in addition to participating in the negotiation process that led to the independence of Namibia and in the mediation for the restoration of peace and stability in Zaire in the early 1990s.

⚫
From 1999 to 2002, Ouédrago was the first African to serve as Deputy Director-General of the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO).<ref name="JawaraKwa2004">{{cite book|last1=Jawara|first1=Fatoumata|last2=Kwa|first2=Aileen|title=Behind the Scenes at the WTO: The Real World of International Trade Negotiations, Updated Edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d5PTbg9FLUQC&pg=PA79|accessdate=9 April 2015|year=2004|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=9781842775332|pages=79–}}</ref> During his term, he successfully ushered Africa to the WTO and the WTO to Africa. In November 2000, he organized the first-ever conference for African Ministers of Trade in Libreville, Gabon, under the auspices of the WTO. He also has presented at various major forums on matters of development and trade during the WTO Ministerial Conferences in Seattle in November 1999 and Doha in November 2001, and at the International Conference on Financing for Development held at Monterrey in March 2002.

From December 2003 to July 2007, Ouédrago served as Senior Adviser for Africa to the President of the African Development Bank Group (ADB). In this capacity, he represented the ADB Group among the peace negotiators in Darfur, assuming the role of President of the Wealth Sharing Commission. The negotiations resulted in the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement on 5 May 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria.

From August 2007 to June 2008, Ouédrago was Special Adviser to the President of the Commission of the [[Economic Community of West African States]] (ECOWAS) for trade negotiations. In this role, he contributed to negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and ECOWAS, and also advocated on behalf of cotton-producing countries during multilateral negotiations at the WTO.

Between 2008 and 2009, Ouédrago participated in several interventions on behalf of the President of the African Union Commission in the negotiations between Chad and Sudan, which helped renew social and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
From February to December 2009, Ouédrago was Special Envoy of the President of the African Union Commission to Madagascar. At his urging, the key players in the Malagasy crisis signed, on 6 November 2009 at the African Union Commission's Addis Ababa headquarters, the Additional Act of Addis Ababa to the Malagasy Charter of the Transition, which had been signed on 9 August 2009 in Maputo, Mozambique. This Additional Act settled the matter of the sharing of power.


⚫
In 1999, he became the first African and first representative from a [[Least Developed Country]] to serve as Deputy Director-General of the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO).<ref name=co2bit/><ref name="JawaraKwa2004">{{cite book|last1=Jawara|first1=Fatoumata|last2=Kwa|first2=Aileen|title=Behind the Scenes at the WTO: The Real World of International Trade Negotiations, Updated Edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d5PTbg9FLUQC&pg=PA79|accessdate=9 April 2015|year=2004|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=9781842775332|pages=79–}}</ref><ref name=wto>{{cite web|url=https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres99_e/pr144_e.htm|title=WTO DG Moore announces selection of four deputies|date=3 November 1999|publisher=World Trade Organization|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref> His work with WTO was focused on a partnership with and development in Africa, including the launch of the African Ministers of Trade conference in [[Libreville]]. He presented at the [[1999 Seattle WTO protests|WTO Ministerial Conferences]] in [[Seattle]] in November 1999 and [[Doha]] in November 2001, and at the [[International Conference on Financing for Development]] held at [[Monterrey]] in March 2002.<ref name=webmanagercenter/>
==Private sector, education and research engagements==


===Diplomacy===
Ouédrago is an active consultant on international matters, road safety and the recreation industry. He is the General Administrator of ZOODO International, an international and strategic relations consulting firm that he created in 2008.
His career work has been characterized by diplomatic and development efforts throughout Africa, including contributions{{vague|date=November 2023}} to the resolution of the [[Tuareg]] rebellion in [[Niger]] and [[Mali]] and negotiations leading up to [[Namibian independence]].{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} Between December 2003<ref name=webmanagercenter>{{cite web|url=https://www.webmanagercenter.com/2003/12/24/3726/ablasse-ouedraogo-nomme-conseiller-regional-du-president-de-la-bad/|title=ABLASSE OUEDRAOGO : Nommé conseiller régional du Président de la BAD|trans-title=ABLASSE OUEDRAOGO : Appointed regional advisor to the President of the ADB|date=24 December 2003|publisher=Web Manager Center|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref> and July 2007,{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} Ouédraogo worked as Senior Advisor for Africa to the President of the [[African Development Bank|African Development Bank Group]] (ADB)<ref name=co2bit/> and represented the company among the peace negotiators in [[Darfur]], assuming the role of President of the Wealth Sharing Commission. The negotiations resulted in the signing of the [[Darfur Peace Agreement]] on 5 May 2006.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} He served as Special Advisor to the President of the Commission of the [[Economic Community of West African States]] (ECOWAS) for trade negotiations<ref name=co2bit/> from August 2007 to June 2008, wherein he contributed to negotiations on the [[Economic Partnership Agreements]] and advocated on behalf of cotton-producing countries during multilateral negotiations at the WTO.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}


Between 2008 and 2009, Ouédrago participated in several interventions on behalf of the President of the African Union Commission in the negotiations between [[Chad]] and [[Sudan]], which helped renew social and diplomatic relations between the two countries. From February to December 2009,{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} Ouédrago was mediator and Special Envoy of the President of the [[African Union Commission]] to [[Madagascar]].<ref name=president2015jeueneafrique/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascars-government-quits-crisis-talks|title=Madagascar's government quits crisis talks|date=14 June 2009|publisher=Relief Web|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=africanunionpress>{{cite report|url=https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/bitstream/handle/123456789/1347/200.press.stat_fr.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|title=Press Statement of the 200th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union Held on 21 August 2009, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.|date=21 August 2009|publisher=African Union|access-date=16 November 2023|page=2|language=fr}}</ref> This [[2009 Malagasy political crisis|political crisis]] eventually subsided with the signing of the Additional Act of Addis Ababa to the Malagasy Charter of the Transition on 6 November 2009.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
He lent his expertise on cultural diversity to the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) in the preparation and adoption of the UNESCO International Convention on Cultural Diversity in 2003.


Ouédraogo served as national coordinator of the political opposition protests in [[Ouagadougou]]{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} in [[2014 Burkinabé uprising|October 2014]], when Compaoré was deposed. He was part of the team who worked to establish a transitional government, which included working to convince the military to approve a civilian transitional leader. An interim president, [[Michel Kafando]], was chosen within 15 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/en-espanol/sdhoy-burkina-faso-leaders-agree-on-basis-of-2014nov14-story.html|title=Burkina Faso leaders agree on basis of transitional gov’t|date=14 November 2014|publisher=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref> Ouédraogo was also involved with restoring peace following the failed coup d’état deposing Kafando on 17 September 2015.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
A great lover and defender of culture, Ouédrago has been active in promoting the musical arts, organizing a Burkinabé Music Summit in September 2011. He also has collaborated with musicians in composing musical works, including most recently the Party anthem, “Faso Autrement.”


===Political opposition===
His involvement in education, training and research is evident in his university-level teaching, notably in his participation in the Administrative Council of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) from July 2007 to August 2008. In this context, he has promoted agricultural research in Africa. Additionally, from September 2010 to June 2013, he served as President of the Administrative Council for the New Inter-University Third Cycle in Economics for universities in Central and West Africa.
Ouédraogo founded the [[liberalism|liberal]] [[centrism|centrist]] political party [[Alternative Faso]] in 2011<ref name=president2015jeueneafrique>{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/272536/politique/burkina-ablasse-ouedraogo-president-du-faso-autrement/|title=Burkina : Ablassé Ouédraogo, président du Faso autrement|trans-title=Burkina: Ablassé Ouédraogo, President of Faso otherwise|publisher=Jeune Afrique|last=Roger|first=Benjamin|date=27 October 2015|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref> after observing conservative elements of [[Blaise Compaoré]]'s presidency he found at odds with his own ideology.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} He became the party's president in 2012<ref name=president2015jeueneafrique/> and was elected to the [[National Assembly of Burkina Faso]]'s Fifth Legislature of the Fourth Republic in December 2012<ref name=co2bit>{{cite web |title=Ambassadors|url=https://co2bit.com/co2bit-team/ambassadors/ |website=co2bit.com |access-date=9 October 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420195340/https://co2bit.com/co2bit-team/ambassadors/|archive-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> as a representative of Alternative Faso. He played a significant role in combating the modification to Article 37 of the [[Burkinabé constitutional referendum project|Burkinabé Constitution]] governing presidential [[term limit]]s.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
Advancing the development of rural communities


Alternative Faso selected Ouédraogo as their candidate in the [[2015 Burkinabè general election]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20230724-burkina-un-ex-ministre-des-affaires-%C3%A9trang%C3%A8res-accuse-le-pouvoir-de-violation-des-droits-de-l-homme|title=Burkina: un ex-ministre des Affaires étrangères accuse le pouvoir de "violation des droits de l’homme"|trans-title=Burkina: a former Minister of Foreign Affairs accuses the government of “violation of human rights”|date=24 July 2023|publisher=RFI|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref name=jeuneafrique2015>{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/235312/politique/burkina-ablasse-ouedraogo-a-bien-tenu-ses-propos-a-jeune-afrique/|title=Burkina : Jeune Afrique n’a pas déformé les propos d’Ablassé Ouédraogo|trans-title=Burkina: Jeune Afrique did not distort the words of Ablassé Ouédraogo|date=11 June 2015|publisher=Jeune Afrique|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref> but he garnered only 1.93% of all the votes, losing to [[Roch Marc Christian Kaboré]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Resultat%20des%20%C3%A9lections%202015.pdf|title=RESULTAT DES VOIX OBTENUES PAR CANDIDAT|publisher=CENI|year=2015|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> He ran again in [[2020 Burkinabè general election|2020]] but gained only 1.81% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.gov.bf/fileadmin/user_upload/decision_n___2020-011_cc_epf_portant_proclamation_des_resultats_definitifs_de_l_election_du_president_du_faso.pdf|title=Extrait des minutes du Greffe du Conseil constitutionnel|trans-title=Extract from the Minutes of the Registry of the Constitutional Council|year=2020|publisher=Conseil Constitutionnel du Burkina Faso|access-date=17 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tv5monde.com/programmes/fr/programme-tv-et-si-vous-me-disiez-toute-la-verite-ablasse-ouedraogo/105091/|title=Et si... vous me disiez toute la vérité|trans-title=What if... you told me the whole truth|year=2020|publisher=TV 5 Monde|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref name=wathibio>{{cite web|url=https://www.wathi.org/candidat-election-burkina-2020/ablasse-ouedraogo/|title=Biographie d’Ablassé OUÉDRAOGO, candidat à l’élection présidentielle au Burkina Faso|trans-title=Biography of Ablassé OUÉDRAOGO, candidate for the presidential election in Burkina Faso|year=2020|publisher=Wathi|access-date=16 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref>
Ouédrago has worked tirelessly to promote the self-determination of rural populations, with a focus on expanding village access to water, solar energy and health services. Appreciating first-hand the values of education and work, he has encouraged and promoted access to public and religious schools for rural communities, prioritizing youth access to culture. Ouédrago believes that each young person, through education and work, can create his or her own future and contribute to the country's development.


On 25 December 2023 Ablassé Ouedraogo was apprehended by the police at his home. Ablassé Ouedraogo would have received a military requisition order sent by the Burkinabé transitional power and forcing Ablassé Ouedraogo to go to the front against terrorism.[https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20231225-burkina-faso-l-ex-ministre-des-affaires-%C3%A9trang%C3%A8res-ablass%C3%A9-ouedraogo-appr%C3%A9hend%C3%A9-%C3%A0-son-domicile].
A fervent supporter of the rights of women, Ouédrago has worked to promote women empowerment in rural and urban communities. In rural communities, he has supported revenue-generating activities for women that link agricultural production to solar energy. Throughout his management and leadership processes, he always makes sure to directly engage women and youth on his team.


==Distinctions==
==Other interests==
In addition to his work on international matters, Ouédraogo also serves as a consultant for [[Road traffic safety|road safety]] and the [[recreation]] industry. He founded ZOODO International, an international and strategic relations [[consulting firm]], in 2008.<ref name=co2bit/> He has championed increased resource distribution to and [[self-determination]] for rural populations. Additionally, he promotes [[women's empowerment]]. He served on the Administrative Council of the [[International Center for Tropical Agriculture]] from July 2007 to August 2008, where he helped promote [[agricultural science|agricultural research]] in Africa. From September 2010 to June 2013, he served as President of the Administrative Council for the New Inter-University Third Cycle in Economics for universities in [[Central Africa|Central]] and [[West Africa]]. He has also advocated for increased access to [[State school|public]] and [[religious schools]] for rural communities, prioritizing youth access to culture. He organized a Music Summit in September 2011 to promote the musical arts.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
⚫
-Officer of the National Order of Burkina Faso, December 1997


==Awards and honors==
-Officer of the National Equatorial Order of Gabon, November 2000
⚫
* December 2015 - Commandeur of the National Order of Burkina Faso<ref name=co2bit/>
* November 2000 - [[Order of the Equatorial Star|Officer of the National Equatorial Order of Gabon]]<ref name=co2bit/><ref name=webmanagercenter/>
* December 1997 - Officer of the National Order of Burkina Faso<ref name=co2bit/><ref name=wto/><ref name=webmanagercenter/>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Burkinabé diplomats]]
[[Category:Burkinabé diplomats]]
[[Category:Burkinabé officials of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Burkinabé officials of the United Nations]]
[[Category:21st-century Burkinabé people]]

Latest revision as of 23:09, 12 February 2024

Ablassé Ouédrago
Member of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso
In office
December 2012 – November 2020
Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization
In office
1999–2002
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
March 1994 – February 1999
Personal details
Born (1953-06-30) 30 June 1953 (age 71)
Dabaré, Burkina Faso
Political partyAlternative Faso (since 2011)
Congress for Democracy and Progress (before 2011)[1]
Children2[2]
BildungNational University of Gabon, University of Nice

Ablassé Ouédraogo (born 30 June 1953 in Dabaré) is a Burkinabé economist, diplomat and politician. Ouédraogo served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Burkina Faso between 1994 and 1999.[3][4] He is the founder of the Alternative Faso party and has served as its president since 2012,[5][1][6] and was elected president of the National Union for Democracy and Development on 8 September 2018.[7][8]

Early years and education

[edit]

Ouédraogo was born in Dabaré, Pabré Department, in Burkina Faso's province of Kadiogo on 30 June 1953.[9] Born to a farmer, he was raised in a Muslim Mossi family[10] in Moaga.[11] He attended Cercle de Boussé for primary school then Lycée Philippe Zinda Kaboré in Ouagadougou, where he earned a Baccalauréat in Economics and Social Sciences. He studied economics at the National University of Gabon on a scholarship from the Association of African Universities from 1973 to 1975 and received a diploma in general economics.[9] He then pursued his doctorate in development economics at the University of Nice in France and successfully defended his dissertation, "Multinational firms and the industrialization of developing countries," on 15 December 1981 with high honors.[9][2][4] After returning to Burkina Faso in January, he spent 7 months teaching in the University of Ouagadougou's School of Economics.[12]

Political career

[edit]

Ouédraogo's political career began on an international level with roles within the United Nations Development Programme, starting as Deputy Administrator for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Niamey, Niger from 1982 to 1984. He was then Head of Programme in Conakry, Guinea, from 1984 to 1986; Deputy Resident Representative to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa (1986-1988) and in Kinshasa, Zaire; and Resident Representative in Brazzaville (1988-1991). He also worked as Regional Director for East Africa of the UN office for the Sudan-Sahel Region in Nairobi. In his last role with the UN, he supported the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Southern African Development Coordination Conference, and the United Nations Environment Programme in addition to the OAU and ECA (1993-1994).[2][3][4]

Ouédraogo's political career in Burkina Faso began with his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs in March 1994, a role he held until February 1999, when he served as Special Advisor to the President[4][1][3] for nine months. As minister, he focused on developing a strategic reorientation of the country's foreign policy through the development and implementation of the concept of "development diplomacy," which channeled a greater number of resources towards development and economic stimulation. This, paired with Burkina Faso's growing reputation as a safe haven, influenced the decision to hold[citation needed] the OAU Summit of Heads of State and Government there in 1998.[2] The country held the year-long presidential term in 1998-1999.[citation needed] The 1998 Africa Cup of Nations was also held there.[2] In late 1998, he was Head of the Delegation of Burkina Faso at the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a Member of the Presidential Delegation at the 20th and 21st Summits of Heads of State of France and Africa, and a Burkina Faso representative at the OECD Forum.[4]

In 1999, he became the first African and first representative from a Least Developed Country to serve as Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).[3][13][4] His work with WTO was focused on a partnership with and development in Africa, including the launch of the African Ministers of Trade conference in Libreville. He presented at the WTO Ministerial Conferences in Seattle in November 1999 and Doha in November 2001, and at the International Conference on Financing for Development held at Monterrey in March 2002.[2]

Diplomacy

[edit]

His career work has been characterized by diplomatic and development efforts throughout Africa, including contributions[vague] to the resolution of the Tuareg rebellion in Niger and Mali and negotiations leading up to Namibian independence.[citation needed] Between December 2003[2] and July 2007,[citation needed] Ouédraogo worked as Senior Advisor for Africa to the President of the African Development Bank Group (ADB)[3] and represented the company among the peace negotiators in Darfur, assuming the role of President of the Wealth Sharing Commission. The negotiations resulted in the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement on 5 May 2006.[citation needed] He served as Special Advisor to the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for trade negotiations[3] from August 2007 to June 2008, wherein he contributed to negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements and advocated on behalf of cotton-producing countries during multilateral negotiations at the WTO.[citation needed]

Between 2008 and 2009, Ouédrago participated in several interventions on behalf of the President of the African Union Commission in the negotiations between Chad and Sudan, which helped renew social and diplomatic relations between the two countries. From February to December 2009,[citation needed] Ouédrago was mediator and Special Envoy of the President of the African Union Commission to Madagascar.[1][14][15] This political crisis eventually subsided with the signing of the Additional Act of Addis Ababa to the Malagasy Charter of the Transition on 6 November 2009.[citation needed]

Ouédraogo served as national coordinator of the political opposition protests in Ouagadougou[citation needed] in October 2014, when Compaoré was deposed. He was part of the team who worked to establish a transitional government, which included working to convince the military to approve a civilian transitional leader. An interim president, Michel Kafando, was chosen within 15 days.[16] Ouédraogo was also involved with restoring peace following the failed coup d’état deposing Kafando on 17 September 2015.[citation needed]

Political opposition

[edit]

Ouédraogo founded the liberal centrist political party Alternative Faso in 2011[1] after observing conservative elements of Blaise Compaoré's presidency he found at odds with his own ideology.[citation needed] He became the party's president in 2012[1] and was elected to the National Assembly of Burkina Faso's Fifth Legislature of the Fourth Republic in December 2012[3] as a representative of Alternative Faso. He played a significant role in combating the modification to Article 37 of the Burkinabé Constitution governing presidential term limits.[citation needed]

Alternative Faso selected Ouédraogo as their candidate in the 2015 Burkinabè general election[17][10] but he garnered only 1.93% of all the votes, losing to Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.[18] He ran again in 2020 but gained only 1.81% of the vote.[19][20][9]

On 25 December 2023 Ablassé Ouedraogo was apprehended by the police at his home. Ablassé Ouedraogo would have received a military requisition order sent by the Burkinabé transitional power and forcing Ablassé Ouedraogo to go to the front against terrorism.[1].

Other interests

[edit]

In addition to his work on international matters, Ouédraogo also serves as a consultant for road safety and the recreation industry. He founded ZOODO International, an international and strategic relations consulting firm, in 2008.[3] He has championed increased resource distribution to and self-determination for rural populations. Additionally, he promotes women's empowerment. He served on the Administrative Council of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture from July 2007 to August 2008, where he helped promote agricultural research in Africa. From September 2010 to June 2013, he served as President of the Administrative Council for the New Inter-University Third Cycle in Economics for universities in Central and West Africa. He has also advocated for increased access to public and religious schools for rural communities, prioritizing youth access to culture. He organized a Music Summit in September 2011 to promote the musical arts.[citation needed]

Awards and honors

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Roger, Benjamin (27 October 2015). "Burkina : Ablassé Ouédraogo, président du Faso autrement" [Burkina: Ablassé Ouédraogo, President of Faso otherwise] (in French). Jeune Afrique. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "ABLASSE OUEDRAOGO : Nommé conseiller régional du Président de la BAD" [ABLASSE OUEDRAOGO : Appointed regional advisor to the President of the ADB] (in French). Web Manager Center. 24 December 2003. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Ambassadors". co2bit.com. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "WTO DG Moore announces selection of four deputies". World Trade Organization. 3 November 1999. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  5. ^ Adewole, Segun (12 October 2023). "Burkina Faso's Dr. Ablassé Ouédraogo Urges Customary and Religious Authorities to Address Country's Uncertainties". BNN. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Home". lefasoautrement.org (in French). Archived from the original on 27 July 2011.[not specific enough to verify]
  7. ^ Boureima (4 June 2020). "Burkina/Elections: la CODER préconise un "dialogue national inclusif, sincère et ouvert"" [Burkina/Elections: CODER recommends an “inclusive, sincere and open national dialogue”] (in French). Wakat Séra. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  8. ^ Boureima (8 September 2018). "Coalition pour la Démocratie et la Réconciliation(CODER): Ablassé Ouédraogo de nouveau président" [Coalition for Democracy and Reconciliation (CODER): Ablassé Ouédraogo as new president] (in French). Wakat Séra. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d "Biographie d'Ablassé OUÉDRAOGO, candidat à l'élection présidentielle au Burkina Faso" [Biography of Ablassé OUÉDRAOGO, candidate for the presidential election in Burkina Faso] (in French). Wathi. 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Burkina : Jeune Afrique n'a pas déformé les propos d'Ablassé Ouédraogo" [Burkina: Jeune Afrique did not distort the words of Ablassé Ouédraogo] (in French). Jeune Afrique. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  11. ^ Roger, Benjamin (8 June 2015). "Burkina – Ablassé Ouédraogo : " J'ai toutes mes chances à la présidentielle d'octobre "" [Burkina – Ablassé Ouédraogo: “I have every chance in the October presidential election”] (in French). Jeune Afrique. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  12. ^ Kindo, Noufou (16 November 2015). "A la découverte des candidats : Ablassé Ouédraogo" [Discovering the candidates: Ablassé Ouédraogo] (in French). Burkina 24. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  13. ^ Jawara, Fatoumata; Kwa, Aileen (2004). Behind the Scenes at the WTO: The Real World of International Trade Negotiations, Updated Edition. Zed Books. pp. 79–. ISBN 9781842775332. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  14. ^ "Madagascar's government quits crisis talks". Relief Web. 14 June 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  15. ^ Press Statement of the 200th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union Held on 21 August 2009, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PDF) (Report) (in French). African Union. 21 August 2009. p. 2. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Burkina Faso leaders agree on basis of transitional gov't". The San Diego Union-Tribune. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  17. ^ "Burkina: un ex-ministre des Affaires étrangères accuse le pouvoir de "violation des droits de l'homme"" [Burkina: a former Minister of Foreign Affairs accuses the government of “violation of human rights”] (in French). RFI. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  18. ^ "RESULTAT DES VOIX OBTENUES PAR CANDIDAT" (PDF). CENI. 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  19. ^ "Extrait des minutes du Greffe du Conseil constitutionnel" [Extract from the Minutes of the Registry of the Constitutional Council] (PDF) (in French). Conseil Constitutionnel du Burkina Faso. 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Et si... vous me disiez toute la vérité" [What if... you told me the whole truth] (in French). TV 5 Monde. 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
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