Côte d’Ivoire: Gbagbo and Thiam Forge Alliance to Challenge Ouattara Ahead of Presidential Election

Former President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Tidjane Thiam have announced a political alliance to challenge President Alassane Ouattara and what they describe as an unfair and exclusionary electoral process ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 presidential election.

In a joint declaration made in Abidjan on June 19, Gbagbo’s African Peoples’ Party–Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) and Thiam’s Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) said their coalition was formed to “resist government pressure” and push for reforms in the run-up to the polls scheduled for October 25.

The alliance marks a rare moment of unity among two of the country’s major opposition parties. It is seen as a direct response to growing concerns over political exclusion and lack of transparency in the electoral process.

Both Gbagbo and Thiam remain barred from the electoral list, which disqualifies them from contesting the presidency. Authorities have cited legal and nationality issues for their disqualification, claiming that both leaders reject the move as politically motivated.

The opposition alliance is demanding the reinstatement of four political figures, including Gbagbo, Thiam, former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, and ex-youth minister Charles Blé Goudé, to the electoral roll.

For the third term, I was not there, but I will not abandon the fight against the fourth term, Gbagbo said during the launch of the alliance. I cannot remain silent in the face of the government’s abuses after my fight for the creation of multiparty democracy in Côte d’Ivoire.

Thiam described the alliance as a step toward “democratic solidarity” in a political environment he said was becoming increasingly skewed in favour of the ruling party. Thiam was declared the PDCI’s official candidate in May but was disqualified from the race over alleged issues with his nationality status.

The coalition also raised alarms over the credibility of the electoral register, urging its urgent revision to ensure a fair vote. Critics have accused the electoral commission of bias, particularly toward the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), which has dominated Ivorian politics under President Ouattara.

The timing of the opposition’s announcement is significant. The RHDP is holding a party congress on June 20 and 21, where supporters are widely expected to call on Ouattara to run for a controversial fourth term.

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