Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire – October 6, 2025 — The Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP) has announced its withdrawal from the Coalition for Pacific Alternance in Côte d’Ivoire (CAP-CI), dealing a significant blow to opposition unity just weeks before the country’s presidential election.
The decision was made during an Extraordinary Convention held in Yamoussoukro, where COJEP leaders criticized the coalition as “opportunistic” and lacking ideological coherence. The move underscores growing strategic divisions among opposition parties excluded from the October 25 vote.
Strategic Shift and Political Implications
COJEP, led by Charles Blé Goudé — who was acquitted by the International Criminal Court but remains barred from candidacy due to a domestic conviction — initially joined CAP-CI to advocate for electoral reforms and political dialogue. With Blé Goudé still ineligible to run, the party is now pivoting toward a grassroots mobilization strategy focused on restoring his civil and political rights.
Key developments include COJEP’s exit further weakens CAP-CI’s efforts to present a unified front, diminishing its visibility and influence ahead of the election.
The party reiterated its call for a presidential pardon for Blé Goudé, framing his rehabilitation as essential for inclusive political participation.
While COJEP has not endorsed a candidate from the validated opposition figures — including Simone Gbagbo and Jean-Louis Billon — it is expected to pursue independent engagement during the campaign period.
Broader Political Context
The upcoming election is unfolding amid heightened tensions and a tightened security environment. The Constitutional Council’s final candidate list includes five contenders: incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo (MGC), Jean-Louis Billon (CODE), Ahoua Don Mello (Independent), and Henriette Lagou Adjoua (Independent).
Several prominent opposition figures, including Blé Goudé, former President Laurent Gbagbo, and Tidjane Thiam, were excluded from the race — a move their supporters have denounced as politically motivated.
The official campaign period is scheduled to begin next week, with observers closely monitoring the evolving dynamics within the opposition and the broader electoral landscape.
