Abidjan – Ivory Coast’s ruling party on Wednesday accused the opposition of “fuelling a climate of tension” after it criticised President Alassane Ouattara’s fourth term bid.
With just two months to go before the October 25 presidential election, the west African country is facing an increasingly tense political climate, particularly due to court rulings barring several opposition figures from the race.
“Let me be clear – there will be no fourth term,” said former president Laurent Gbagbo, who has been barred from the electoral roll, during a rally in Abidjan on Saturday.
“Our determination is unwavering,” he added.
Last week, the two main opposition parties, including Gbagbo’s African Peoples’ Party – Cote d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), mobilised thousands of peaceful protesters in demonstrations against Ouattara’s fourth-term bid.
Ivory Coast wameamua Ouattara hawamtaki na maandamano walitoka wananchu milioni 2 👊🏽
Cheki video 👇🏾
Maandamano ya Afrika yanazidi kupamba moto maana watawala wanadharau sana wananchi! Imagine mtu hatosheki anataka awamu ya nne 😓#ChangeAfrica pic.twitter.com/Vx8a5M7CdW— Maria Sarungi Tsehai (@MariaSTsehai) August 10, 2025
“The sole aim of these opposition protests is to stir up tensions and prepare their supporters to take action when the time comes,” said Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, spokesperson for the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party.
“Everyone involved in this dangerous plan to destabilise the country must understand that the state will not falter,” he added, calling for “calm and serenity”.
Ouattara announced his candidacy for the October ballot at the end of July.
In addition to Gbagbo, several other prominent opposition figures have been barred from the electoral roll, including his former right-hand man, Charles Ble Goude.
Tidjane Thiam, leader of the country’s largest opposition force, the PDCI party, is also ineligible due to nationality-related legal issues.
Last week, several members of Gbagbo’s party were charged with “acts of terrorism” following unrest in early August in a district of Abidjan.
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Source: AFP
