Alpha Oumar Konaré, the former president of Mali, as the only candidate. Essy remained interim chairman of the commission until he was succeeded by Konaré on 16 September 2003. Essy is a member of the Global Leadership Foundation (chaired by FW de Klerk) that works to support democratic leadership, prevent and resolve conflict through mediation and promote good governance in the form of democratic institutions, open markets, human rights and the rule of law. References 1944 births Living people Chairpersons of the African Union Commission Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly Ivorian diplomats Permanent Representatives of Ivory Coast to the United Nations People from Bouaké Foreign Ministers of Ivory Coast Ambassadors of Ivory Coast to Argentina Ambassadors of Ivory Coast to Cuba Ambassadors of Ivory Coast to Switzerland