Ivory Coast
Yaya Sylla, the technical expert who has the ear of Tene Birahima Ouattara
When it comes to securing the country's borders or equipping the fast-growing Ivorian army, defence minister Tene Birahima Ouattara takes account of the recommendations of Yaya Sylla, a behind-the-scenes adviser who frequents his private office in his capacity as an electronics expert.