Félix Houphouët-Boigny was a prominent Ivorian politician and the first President of Ivory Coast. He served from 1960 until his death in 1993, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. Houphouët-Boigny played a crucial role in the country's independence from France and was known for his efforts to promote stability and economic development. As a founding member of the African Union, Houphouët-Boigny was influential in advocating for peace and cooperation among African nations. His leadership style emphasized dialogue and consensus, which helped maintain relative stability in Ivory Coast during his presidency, despite challenges in the region.