A coalition of Ivorian opposition parties Saturday staged a major protest in Abidjan this week, denouncing President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term and demanding the reinstatement of disqualified candidates ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential election.
The demonstration, organized by the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), and the African People’s Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PPACI), began in Yopougon and concluded peacefully in Figayo. Thousands of citizens from across age groups joined the rally, voicing concern over what opposition leaders describe as a growing threat to democratic governance.
At the heart of the protest is the exclusion of several high-profile political figures from the electoral race, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, PDCI candidate Tidjane Thiam, and Charles Blé Goudé. Their disqualification, opposition leaders argue, effectively clears the path for Ouattara’s re-election and undermines the legitimacy of the vote.
Ouattara’s supporters cite a 2016 constitutional revision that they claim reset presidential term limits, allowing him to run again. Critics, however, view the move as a dangerous precedent that concentrates power and erodes democratic norms.
Opposition parties are urging the government to initiate political dialogue and restore the candidacies of excluded leaders to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process. Analysts warn that the current tensions risk reigniting unrest reminiscent of the 2010–2011 post-election crisis, which left thousands dead and displaced many more.
International and regional bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, have faced criticism for their muted response to the escalating political standoff.
As Ivory Coast approaches a pivotal election, opposition leaders say their demands for dialogue and electoral fairness are essential to safeguarding peace and democratic stability in the country.
