In the heart of Ivory Coast, a political storm is brewing as the opposition, under the banner of the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation, raises its voice for change ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The coalition recently made headlines by demanding political dialogue with the ruling party, Rally of the Republicans (RDR), led by President Alassane Ouattara.
The opposition leaders are not mincing their words when it comes to expressing their concerns. They have vehemently opposed President Ouattara’s potential candidacy for a fourth term and criticized the exclusion of key political figures like banker Tidjane Thiam from the electoral list. In a bold move to level the playing field, former First Lady Simone Gbagbo called on President Ouattara to enact an amnesty law that would clear any obstacles preventing all political leaders from running in the election.
Amidst these calls for reform and inclusivity, Tidjane Thiam, president of both the coalition and PDCI (the main opposition party), took center stage in Paris. Projecting a video on large screens, he emphasized that
“justice must not be instrumentalized”
and urged for a thorough revision of electoral lists before voters head to polling stations.
The spotlight also shines on the Independent Electoral Commission, which has come under fire from the coalition for alleged bias. With tensions escalating as election day approaches on October 25th, 2025, Ivory Coast finds itself at a critical juncture where voices clamoring for change echo across its political landscape.
The formation of the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation earlier in March signals a united front against the incumbent presidential majority bloc. Bringing together prominent opposition figures such as Pascal Affi N’Guessan, Charles Blé Goudé, and Simone Gbagbo herself, this alliance represents a formidable challenge to President Ouattara’s grip on power.
Alassane Ouattara’s rise to presidency in 2011 following a turbulent post-election period marked by violence has shaped Ivory Coast’s recent history. The specter of his potential fourth term looms large over an electorate divided between those who support resetting presidential term limits through constitutional changes and those who see it as an affront to democracy.
As Ivory Coast braces itself for what promises to be a closely watched election cycle filled with uncertainty and contention, one thing remains clear – the call for reform reverberates through every corner of society with hopes pinned on achieving true democratic progress.
