Ivory Coast’s Ouattara hints at fourth term bid
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Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara arrives at Seoul airport and waves to onlookers.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has suggested that he may be open to running for a fourth term in the upcoming presidential election, though his party has yet to make an official decision on the matter. In a speech to diplomats on January 8 in Abidjan, Ouattara, 83, gave the strongest indication yet that he might seek re-election.
“I am in good health and eager to continue serving my country,” Ouattara stated during the address, sparking speculation about his political future. This comment came shortly after the president had previously expressed a desire to retire from politics after completing his third term. His remarks seemed to suggest that his plans for the future could hinge on the political landscape in the country, especially the actions of his long-time rivals.
In 2020, Ouattara won a highly controversial third term after constitutional changes allowed him to run for office again. His decision to seek a third term was met with criticism from opposition groups, who argued that it violated the spirit of the Constitution. However, Ouattara defended his candidacy, stating that the constitutional amendments had reset the clock on his eligibility. Despite the backlash, he won the election and maintained his position as one of West Africa’s most influential leaders.
Since then, Ouattara has signaled his intention to retire at the end of his current term, which is set to expire in 2025. He had previously suggested that the next generation of political leaders should take charge, and he even indicated that his decision to step down could depend on whether key political figures, especially his political rivals, would also retire from the political scene. These comments raised questions about the dynamics of Ivorian politics, as many of the country’s leading figures have remained entrenched in power for years.
In September 2023, Ouattara’s political party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), expressed its support for a potential fourth term, fueling further speculation that the president might seek to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. However, the party has not made a formal announcement about his candidacy, and no official decision has been reached as of yet.
Ivory Coast’s next presidential election is scheduled for October 2025, and political analysts are closely monitoring developments as the election approaches. The timing of Ouattara’s remarks has added an extra layer of uncertainty to the country’s political future, as his potential re-election bid could reshape the political landscape in significant ways.
Opposition groups in Ivory Coast have already voiced concerns about the possibility of Ouattara seeking another term. They argue that allowing him to remain in power for another term would undermine democratic progress and exacerbate tensions between political factions. The Ivorian political scene has been marked by longstanding rivalries, and many fear that another term for Ouattara could reignite divisions within the country.
Despite the controversy surrounding his previous re-election, Ouattara remains a popular figure among many Ivorian citizens, particularly for his role in leading the country’s economic recovery following years of civil conflict. His government has overseen significant infrastructure development, improvements in education, and economic growth. However, his tenure has also been marked by challenges, including tensions between political factions, allegations of human rights abuses, and concerns about political freedoms.
As Ivory Coast prepares for its 2025 election, the question of Ouattara’s political future looms large. Will he remain true to his previous statements about stepping down, or will he decide to pursue a fourth term in the face of growing pressure from his party and supporters? While there is no official announcement yet, his recent comments signal that the decision may not be as straightforward as once anticipated.
As the election draws nearer, political leaders, diplomats, and citizens alike will be watching closely to see how Ivory Coast’s political dynamics evolve. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the country’s future, and Ouattara’s role in that future remains one of the most pressing questions in Ivorian politics.
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