Ivory Coast: thousands protest against Ouattara’s fourth term bid

Ivory Coast Protesters Reject Ouattara’s Fourth Term Bid

Thousands of Ivorians marched through the streets of Abidjan over the weekend, voicing anger over the exclusion of key opposition leaders from the upcoming presidential elections. The demonstrations, centered in the Yopougon suburb, saw protestors waving banners demanding political inclusion and electoral reform.

Opposition Leaders Barred from Presidential Race

The protests were triggered by the electoral commission’s decision to bar four major opposition figures from running in the October elections. Among them are former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, two figures who recently united to challenge President Alassane Ouattara’s rule.

Citizens Demand Electoral Fairness and Justice

Protestors carried signs with slogans like “Enough is enough!” and “No true democracy without true justice.” The crowd, largely peaceful, emphasized their support for Gbagbo and Thiam with messages such as “We are millions saying YES to Gbagbo and Thiam.” Protesters accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process to suppress opposition.

A Controversial Fourth Term for Ouattara

Last month, 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara announced he would seek a fourth presidential term. This move has reignited national tensions, especially since Ouattara changed the Ivorian constitution in 2016 to remove term limits — a decision many critics claim undermines democratic principles.

Activists Call for Peace and Inclusive Elections

“We don’t want a fourth term, and we want the electoral roll revised,” said Sagesse Divine, one of the protest organizers. “We want all candidates’ names included, and we want to go to the elections in peace, that’s all we want.” Many citizens echo this sentiment, stressing the need for free, fair, and peaceful elections.

Silence from the Government Amid Rising Tensions

Despite the scale of the protest, Ivorian authorities have not yet commented on the public outcry or the exclusion of candidates. This silence is viewed by some as a dismissive stance toward legitimate electoral concerns.

Thiam’s Disqualification Draws Scrutiny

Tidjane Thiam, now leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, won his party’s primary earlier this year. However, the electoral commission barred him from running, citing his dual nationality — despite his renunciation of French citizenship. Ivorian law forbids dual nationals from contesting the presidency, though critics argue Thiam’s disqualification is politically motivated.

History of Election-Related Violence in Ivory Coast

The country has a troubling record of electoral violence, particularly during previous presidential contests. When Ouattara sought a controversial third term, protests and unrest led to multiple deaths, highlighting the volatile nature of Ivorian elections and the public’s deep mistrust of the system.

West Africa’s Struggle with Term Limits and Coups

Ouattara is one of several West African leaders who have extended their rule by altering constitutions. In response, some military leaders in the region have used similar legal manipulations and allegations of corruption to justify coups. These trends have weakened regional unity, particularly within the ECOWAS bloc.

Ouattara Justifies His Bid as a Need for Stability

President Ouattara defends his decision to run again, citing the country’s economic, security, and financial challenges. He argues that his experience is essential for steering Ivory Coast through uncertain times — a justification met with skepticism by large segments of the population demanding new leadership.

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