In a significant political upheaval in Côte d'Ivoire, Tidjane Thiam, the president of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI-RDA), faces a daunting challenge to his presidential aspirations for the upcoming October 2025 elections. On April 22, 2025, the Ivorian judiciary ordered his removal from the provisional electoral list, a decision that jeopardizes his candidacy and has sparked widespread outrage among his supporters.
Thiam, who garnered over 99% support during the PDCI's last convention, remains resolute in his pursuit of the presidency, declaring, "There will be no Plan B or Plan C." His determination comes in the wake of a ruling that he claims is rooted in an "iniquitous and incomprehensible" legal rationale aimed at eliminating him as a serious contender. This dramatic turn of events has raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process in the country.
Having been elected president of the PDCI in December 2023 following the death of Henri Konan Bédié, Thiam's rise has been marked by both acclaim and skepticism. While he enjoys considerable prestige due to his international background, he is still a relatively new player in the Ivorian political landscape, which is dominated by established figures like Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro. The PDCI-RDA, a historically significant party founded by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, is currently grappling with internal tensions exacerbated by Bédié's death and ongoing legal disputes, including a notable case involving Valérie Yapo.
Political analyst Geoffroy-Julien Kouao weighed in on the implications of Thiam's removal, asserting that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process. "This elimination compromises the presidential election set for October 25, as key opposition figures like Laurent Gbagbo, Charles Blé Goudé, and now Tidjane Thiam will not be on the ballot, potentially delegitimizing the election," Kouao stated.
Thiam's removal from the electoral list was officially communicated to the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) on April 24, 2025. The decision stems from a court ruling prompted by several voters who contested Thiam's eligibility, arguing that he lost his Ivorian nationality when he acquired French nationality in 1987. Me Ange Rodrigue Dadjé, one of the lawyers involved, explained that the judge determined Thiam's loss of Ivorian citizenship disqualified him from participating in the electoral process.
As Côte d'Ivoire approaches the presidential election, the political climate is markedly different from the turmoil experienced in 2010, when the nation faced severe instability. Today, the state is more structured, with the administration, military, and judiciary closely aligned with the ruling party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). However, this stability raises concerns about the potential for dissent, especially if Thiam's supporters mobilize around his exclusion.
In light of Thiam's predicament, there are discussions about the possibility of forming a coalition with other opposition leaders, such as Gbagbo and Soro. Such an alliance could pose a formidable challenge to the current government and catalyze a broader movement advocating for electoral fairness and transparency. Thiam's situation may resonate with voters who perceive his removal as an injustice, thereby enhancing his political stature.
On April 26, 2025, Laurent Gbagbo expressed solidarity with Thiam during a meeting of his party's central committee, the People’s African Party-Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI). Gbagbo, who himself has been excluded from the electoral race due to a judicial conviction, launched the "Trop, c'est trop" movement aimed at fostering a persistent protest against the current political climate. He emphasized the need for inclusive and fair elections, stating, "We will not let the PDCI die. We will give it our support, hoping for nothing in return." Gbagbo's rallying cry reflects a growing sentiment among opposition figures to unite against perceived injustices in the electoral process.
The PPA-CI's central committee also called on its members to engage with those affected by economic hardships, signaling a renewed focus on grassroots mobilization. The party plans to evaluate the impact of the "Trop, c'est trop" campaign in early June, just ahead of the final electoral list's publication on June 20. This timeline is critical, as it will determine the landscape of candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
In a statement following Thiam's removal, the PDCI-RDA condemned the ruling as unjust and mobilized its supporters to protest against this decision. The party leadership urged members to remain coordinated in their actions and to await further instructions regarding their strategy moving forward. The PDCI-RDA reaffirmed its unwavering support for Thiam, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
As the political landscape in Côte d'Ivoire continues to evolve, the fate of Tidjane Thiam and the PDCI-RDA will hinge on their ability to navigate the challenges posed by the electoral process and to galvanize support among the populace. With the presidential election approaching, the stakes are high, and the potential for significant political shifts looms large.
