Ivory Coast opposition leader steps down but pledges to continue the struggle for electoral success.

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent leader of Ivory Coast’s main opposition party, has announced his resignation as party president amid legal challenges that have barred him from participating in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 2025. Despite stepping down from his leadership role, Thiam affirmed his commitment to the party’s success and expressed a continued desire to lead the charge toward electoral victory.

In a statement shared on social media, Thiam remarked, “In the interest of the party, I’ve decided to place my mandate as president of the party in your hands, the activists.” He emphasized that his resignation would not diminish his dedication to guiding the party towards triumph in the forthcoming elections, a promise he made in December 2023.

The political landscape in Ivory Coast has been shaped by long-standing President Alassane Ouattara, who has been in office since 2011. At 83 years of age, Ouattara has not disclosed whether he intends to run for re-election. However, he has expressed a genuine desire to “continue serving [his] country,” indicating his commitment to the nation’s progress.

Thiam’s journey for the presidency has encountered hurdles, primarily due to restrictions on dual citizenship for presidential candidates. Although he was born in Ivory Coast, Thiam renounced his French nationality in March to pursue his candidacy. Unfortunately, a court ruling in Abidjan recently disqualified him from the electoral list, citing that he forfeited his Ivorian nationality upon acquiring French citizenship in 1987.

Compounding these challenges, Thiam faces an ongoing legal dispute regarding his election as the leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast–African Democratic Rally (PDCI), initiated by a fellow party member questioning his nationality at the time of his selection.

In light of Thiam’s resignation, PDCI deputy president Ernest N’Koumo Mobio has stepped in as interim leader. He has called upon party members to foster “cohesion, serenity, and discipline” and convened an urgent party meeting in response to the evolving political situation.

Furthermore, Thiam highlighted concerning trends within the electoral process, accusing the authorities of orchestrating an environment that could undermine fair competition. He pointed to the exclusion of three other opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, as indicative of a system designed to eliminate strong opposition voices. The government has consistently denied any claims of improper influence over the electoral system, reaffirming that decisions are made by an independent judiciary.

As Ivory Coast navigates these turbulent political waters, the call for a transparent and inclusive democratic process remains paramount among its populace. The current climate exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by opposition parties in fostering a robust and participatory political atmosphere.

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