Jean Konan Banny | |
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Defence Minister of Côte d'Ivoire | |
In office 1960 – September 1963 |
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Preceded by | None (position first established) |
Succeeded by | Kouadio M'Bahia Blé |
Personal details | |
Born | May 11, 1930 Côte d'Ivoire |
Nationality | Ivorian |
Political party | Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire |
Occupation | Lawyer, Minister |
Jean Konan Banny (born May 11, 1930[1]) is an Ivorian politician of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). He is the brother of Charles Konan Banny, a former Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire.[2]
A lawyer, Banny served as Minister of Defense for Côte d'Ivoire from its independence in 1960 to 1963.[1] In 1963, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death on charges of participating in President Félix Houphouët-Boigny's "complot du chat noir" (black cat conspiracy).[1] Meanwhile, his office was transferred to Kouadio M'Bahia Blé whose ministership lasted more than 17 years.[3] There was discontent in the army, as the generals stirred following his arrest and Houphouët-Boigny had to intervene personally to sedate the army.[4]
Banny, who personally knew Houphouët-Boigny from childhood, was pardoned and released in 1967.[1] He asked Banny to be the mayor of Yamoussoukro, though Houphouët-Boigny's successor, Henri Konan Bédié, appointed Banny as Resident Minister of the capital.[1] The Resident Minister is a member of the Council of Elders of the PDCI, which includes roughly a hundred elders.[1]
He also directs the Société fruitière du Bandama, an industrial company, which produces and exports fruit juice, mainly that of pineapples.[1] The company created the popular drink Cristelor in 1983.[5] Described as a delice d'ananas petillant, French for sparkling pineapple delight, it is popularly called pineapple champagne.[5] Banny claimed the idea "came to [him when he thought] to make a wine from pineapples" and was named after his granddaughter Cristel. He also proposed an alcoholic version of the drink.[5]
Preceded by Post established |
Defence Minister of Côte d'Ivoire 1959-1963 |
Succeeded by Kouadio M'Bahia Blé |