Côte d’Ivoire: Former Ivorian President Gbagbo denounces Ouattara’s bid for fourth term
Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo publicly rejected incumbent Alassane Ouattara’s controversial bid for a fourth presidential term during a fiery rally in Abidjan’s Yopougon district on Saturday. Addressing supporters of his African People’s Party-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), the 78-year-old opposition leader condemned the move as “illegal” and a “blatant violation” of the constitution.
“Constitutional breach”
Gbagbo insisted the 2016 constitution limits presidents to two terms, a reform enacted after the 1999 military transition. “Why does anyone think they can serve four terms here? I refuse this,” he declared, arguing Ouattara’s 2020 third term was already unconstitutional.
The 83-year-old president, however, formalized his re-election bid on July 29, citing “unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges” requiring his experience.
Electoral exclusion claims
The opposition leader also criticized the electoral commission’s disqualification of key rivals including himself, ex-Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, and PDCI-RDA leader Tidiane Thiam ; while condemning recent arrests of PPA-CI activists.
Though barred from running due to a 2018 conviction, Gbagbo vowed to remain “the candidate against the fourth term.”
Deepening political crisis
With the October 25, 2025 election approaching, tensions escalate over Ouattara’s disputed eligibility.
His camp claims the 2025 bid constitutes a “second term” under the current constitution, while opponents view it as an unconstitutional power grab.
The standoff threatens to reignite instability in a nation still recovering from post-election violence that claimed 3,000 lives following the 2010 vote.
Maurice K.ZONGO
