Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo to Contest 2025 Election
Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has announced his intention to contest the upcoming presidential election in 2025, representing his party, the African People’s Party – Cote d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). The decision was revealed by Katinan Kone, the spokesperson of the PPA-CI, following a meeting of the party’s central committee on Saturday.
Gbagbo’s return to the political arena marks a significant development in Ivory Coast’s political landscape. Acquitted of charges by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019, relating to his alleged role in a civil war sparked by his refusal to concede defeat in the 2010 election, Gbagbo came back to Ivory Coast in 2021.
Despite losing control of the party he previously founded, the Ivorian Popular Front (IPF), while imprisoned awaiting trial in the Netherlands, Gbagbo is believed to maintain a sizable and devoted base of supporters within the country. His decision to contest the 2025 election underscores his enduring influence within Ivorian politics.
The announcement comes as the West African nation prepares for its next presidential election, scheduled for October 2025. Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who was re-elected in 2020, has yet to confirm whether he will seek another term in office, adding further anticipation and uncertainty to the political landscape.
Gbagbo’s return to electoral politics is likely to inject dynamism and competition into the electoral process, as he seeks to rally support for his candidacy and present an alternative vision for the country’s future. His candidacy is expected to resonate particularly among segments of the population who remain loyal to his leadership despite his previous legal challenges.
As Ivory Coast gears up for the 2025 election, the political climate is set to become increasingly charged, with competing visions and interests vying for dominance. Gbagbo’s decision to contest the election adds a new dimension to the political dynamics of the country, promising a closely contested and consequential electoral campaign. All eyes will be on Ivory Coast as it navigates this critical juncture in its democratic journey.
