Committee Description

In 1960, Félix Houphouët-Boigny became the first president of Côte d’Ivoire after the country gained independence. Although authoritarian in nature, his regime was extremely popular among citizens. Houphouët’s economic strategy centered around Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural sector. By extending resources to small-scale rural farmers, Houphouët maintained broad-based support across the country. Under his leadership, Côte d’Ivoire enjoyed economic prosperity and political stability, with the government remaining highly popular. He continued to stay in power, winning every single presidential election, uncontested, between 1960 to present: 1986. 

However, as 1986 approached, the tides began to turn against Houphouët and his government. Driven by a downturn in commodity prices, widespread drought, and excessive government spending, Côte d’Ivoire is facing a massive economic crisis. The crisis revealed broader structural issues within Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, particularly the failure to diversify beyond its reliance on agriculture. As the economic situation grows increasingly dire, citizens are rapidly growing dissatisfied with Houphouët and his government. With unemployment, poverty, and the public sector deficit rising, social tensions continue to mount. Student protests are spreading across the country alongside broader social turmoil, and public opinion is turning strongly against Houphouët and his government. 

Delegates, you will serve as members of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s cabinet. In your roles as cabinet members, it will be up to you to fix the crisis, developing economic reforms, addressing the growing social unrest, and putting Côte d’Ivoire back on a path towards stability and prosperity. Within this shifting social and economic landscape, you will have to find creative solutions to new problems. As Houphouët’s cabinet, you will decide how best to rebuild Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and mitigate agricultural and trade issues, Houphouët’s growing unpopularity, excessive government spending, and rising social tensions. 

Best of luck in this quest; your dais cannot wait to meet you and is excited to watch the great work you’ll do reforming Côte d’Ivoire and for all the adventures we’ll have along the way!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Charlie Abbott at crisis@ssuns.org

Madeleine Glover

Chair

Gwyn Schooler

Crisis Director

Fiona Wells

Assistant Crisis Director