Bakayoko effectively became acting prime minister on 2 May 2020 when Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly went to France for a heart exam and rest. Coulibaly returned on 2 July and resumed his duties, but less than a week later, he became unwell during a cabinet meeting and died.[1] Bakayoko took over on an interim basis[2] and was confirmed to the position on 30 July 2020. On 8 March 2021 he was replaced by Patrick Achi as interim prime minister and President Ouattara’s younger brother Téné as interim defence minister.[3]