Diakalidia Konaté, Executive Secretary of Côte d'Ivoire's National Border Commission (CNFCI), has obtained a doctorate in political science from the Alassane Ouattara University of Bouaké. His thesis, titled "The Identifying State in Côte d'Ivoire: Meaning and Logic," was defended on September 19, 2026. The jury awarded him the 'Very Honourable' mention with congratulations. Konaté's research explores how identification policies have accompanied the construction, transformation, and reinvention of the Ivorian state from the colonial period to contemporary biometric policies and the National Registry of Physical Persons (RNPP).
The thesis was evaluated by an international university jury comprising renowned professors from Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, France, and Côte d'Ivoire. The jury included Pr Augustin Louada, Pr Emmanuel Ahinvili, Pr Abdou Rahmane Thiam, Pr Guy-Roland Kossonou, Pr François Benchendikh, and Pr Ousmane Zina, who directed the thesis. Konaté's study is based on an investigation of 766 people in five localities: Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, Bouna, and Duékoué. The research proposes the concept of the "identifying state" as a framework for analyzing the state's action, capacities, and relationship with citizens.
The study examines the evolution of identification functions in the Ivorian state's trajectory, from an instrument for categorizing populations to a tool for sorting and defining belonging, and finally to a governance infrastructure linking security, planning, health, social protection, and digitalization. One of the significant contributions of the research is the notion of the "identifying state," which serves as a grid for observing the state in action, its capacities, classifications, power relations, and the rights it makes accessible to populations.
The defense took place in Bouaké on September 19, 2026, exactly 24 years after the city became a central hub of Côte d'Ivoire's politico-military crisis that began on September 19, 2002. Konaté noted that the coincidence of the date, location, and research topic holds particular symbolic significance. Bouaké was one of the central spaces of the crisis and a key area of investigation. The research also offers several perspectives, including a comparison at the West African level, a territorialized sociology of identity services and actors, and a reflection on interoperability, data protection, and digital sovereignty.
Konaté's research emphasizes that the contemporary question is no longer just about how the state identifies but also about what the identity produced by the state enables in terms of rights, services, inclusion, and control. The CNFCI has congratulated Konaté on his achievement, highlighting his commitment to knowledge, research, and intellectual capacity building in public service. The commission expressed its warmest felicitations to Dr. Konaté and wished him continued success in his missions serving Côte d'Ivoire, border governance, and African integration.
The CNFCI's Executive Secretary has demonstrated his dedication to enhancing the country's governance and border management through his academic pursuits. His research contributes significantly to understanding the complexities of state identification and its implications for citizens. The doctorate is a testament to Konaté's hard work and commitment to academic excellence. His achievement is expected to inspire further research and innovation in the field of political science and public administration.
Dr. Diakalidia Konaté's accomplishment has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. His work is seen as a valuable addition to the existing body of knowledge on state identification and its role in shaping the relationship between the state and its citizens. As Konaté continues to serve in his capacity as Executive Secretary of the CNFCI, his expertise is expected to inform policy decisions and drive positive change in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond.
Key points
- Diakalidia Konaté obtained a doctorate in political science with a 'Very Honourable' mention from the Alassane Ouattara University of Bouaké.
- Konaté's research proposes the concept of the "identifying state" as a framework for analyzing the state's action, capacities, and relationship with citizens.
- The doctorate is a significant milestone in Konaté's career, demonstrating his commitment to knowledge, research, and intellectual capacity building in public service.
