Thousands of Ivorians have taken to the streets across the nation to oppose President Alassane Ouattara’s contentious attempt to seek a fourth term in office. The protests come just months before Ivory Coast’s presidential election, scheduled for October.
President Ouattara, 83, has come under increasing scrutiny for his decision to run again, having previously altered the constitution in 2016 to remove term limits. Critics argue that his continued leadership undermines democratic principles in the West African nation, which is the largest economy in Francophone Africa.
The political tension has escalated further following the reported disqualification of four key opposition figures by the country’s electoral commission. Among those barred are former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam—both prominent political contenders who recently formed a coalition to challenge Ouattara’s rule.
In Abidjan’s Yopougon district, protesters marched with placards bearing slogans such as:
- “Enough is enough!”
- “No true democracy without true justice”
- “We are millions saying YES to Gbagbo and Thiam”
One of the demonstrators, activist Sagesse Divine, stated, “We don’t want a fourth term, and we want the electoral roll revised. We want all candidates included and to go to the polls in peace—that’s all we’re asking.”
As of press time, Ivorian authorities have not issued a formal response to the protests.
President Ouattara, however, has defended his decision, citing what he describes as "unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges" facing the country—challenges he believes require experienced leadership.
With tensions rising and the election fast approaching, the political future of Ivory Coast remains uncertain. Protesters continue to demand a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process.
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