ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire is preparing for a landmark diplomatic occasion as President Alassane Ouattara is to be sworn in for his fourth term on December 8, 2025.
The ceremony, following his decisive re-election in October, is expected to attract a wide array of regional and international leaders, underscoring the country’s pivotal role in West African politics. Officials describe the inauguration as both a celebration of national continuity and a demonstration of regional solidarity.
Government sources confirm that several heads of state and senior delegations will attend the event in Abidjan, the nation’s economic hub. Among the prominent guests anticipated is Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whose presence reflects the enduring fraternal ties between the two countries and the commitment of leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support key political transitions in the region.
A Mandate for the Next Five Years
President Ouattara, 83, secured a sweeping victory in the October 25 election, winning 89.77 percent of the vote. The Constitutional Council validated the results on November 4, confirming his mandate to lead the world’s largest cocoa producer until 2030.
Ouattara’s tenure, which began in 2011, has been marked by rapid economic growth and major infrastructure projects. Yet, the recent election was not without controversy, as several opposition figures were barred from contesting.
The December 8 inauguration will formally launch his new five-year term. Analysts expect Ouattara to outline his vision and policy priorities for Côte d’Ivoire’s next phase of development, while the gathering of African leaders will provide a platform for bilateral discussions on pressing regional challenges, including security, trade, and economic integration.
