With just eight months remaining until Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election, opposition leader Tidjane Thiam is intensifying his campaign to gain support both at home and abroad. During a recent meeting with Ivorians in Paris, Thiam sharply criticized incumbent President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for re-election, accusing him of undermining democratic principles and consolidating power in a way that threatens the country’s political future.
Thiam, a former CEO of Credit Suisse and an influential figure in the Ivorian diaspora, addressed several key issues concerning his eligibility as a presidential candidate, particularly the ongoing debate regarding his nationality. Some critics had raised concerns over whether Thiam, who was born in Côte d’Ivoire but held French citizenship until recently, met the constitutional requirement that candidates for the presidency must hold only Ivorian nationality.
In his speech, Thiam strongly refuted these concerns, confirming that he had formally renounced his French citizenship, aligning himself fully with Ivorian law. He emphasized that he is now solely Ivorian, reaffirming his commitment to the country and its people. The Ivorian Constitution stipulates that candidates for the presidency must possess Ivorian nationality and have lived in the country for at least five years prior to running, requirements Thiam argues he fully satisfies.
Thiam’s remarks come amid growing political tensions surrounding President Ouattara’s re-election bid. Ouattara, who has been in power since 2011, is seeking a third term in office after controversial constitutional amendments in 2020 that enabled him to run again, despite the original two-term limit. Thiam, along with many opposition figures, views this as a direct affront to democratic principles and the spirit of the Ivorian Constitution.
In his address to Ivorians in Paris, Thiam highlighted the need for fresh leadership in Côte d’Ivoire, arguing that the country must move beyond the leadership of Ouattara, who has faced criticism for extending his rule in ways that many see as undemocratic. Thiam promised to bring new ideas and policies to the Ivorian people, focusing on national unity, economic growth, and political reform.
Thiam’s campaign has gained significant traction, particularly within the Ivorian diaspora, as many look for an alternative to the political establishment. His call for a more inclusive and transparent political process has resonated with many Ivorians who are concerned about the direction the country is heading under Ouattara’s extended rule.
As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its 2025 presidential election, political analysts are watching closely to see whether Thiam’s movement can challenge Ouattara’s dominance in the race, or whether the incumbent president will continue to maintain his hold on power. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the country’s future and its democratic institutions.
Thiam’s candidacy and his bold criticisms of Ouattara’s government signal that the race for the presidency will be a highly contested one, with issues of governance, democracy, and national identity at the forefront of the debate.
