Thousands of Ivorians took to the streets of Abidjan on Saturday to denounce President Alassane Ouattara’s controversial decision to seek a fourth term in office, intensifying political tensions ahead of the October presidential election. The demonstrations, the second wave of protests in just one week, were led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, who urged his supporters to oppose what he called an “unconstitutional fourth term.” Without naming Ouattara directly, Gbagbo warned that the president’s decision undermines democratic principles and risks plunging the country into instability.
The 80-year-old leader of the African People’s Party–Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) also called for the release of dozens of opposition activists arrested in recent weeks. Ouattara, 82, first took power in 2011 after years of post-election conflict that left thousands dead. In 2016, he oversaw a constitutional change that effectively reset presidential term limits, allowing him to run again in 2020. He won a controversial third term that year despite opposition boycotts and violent unrest that killed more than 80 people.
Last month, Ouattara announced he would run again in 2025, arguing that his health and the revised Constitution permit him to extend his rule. He cited “unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges” as reasons why the country needs an experienced leader. However, key rivals like Gbagbo and former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro have been barred from the race due to past convictions, raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming election. Analysts warn that excluding popular opposition leaders could heighten political unrest and fuel violence. While Ouattara has pledged a peaceful vote, Saturday’s protests underscore rising tensions in a country still scarred by its history of electoral crises.
