Ivory Coast presidential campaign kicks off amid rising tensions

Sunday 12 October 2025 - 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

Ivory Coast presidential campaign kicks off amid rising tensions

The presidential campaign in Ivory Coast has begun under a tense political climate marked by arrests and opposition protests. Over 200 people were detained in Abidjan on Saturday after police dispersed an unauthorized opposition march with tear gas, just as President Alassane Ouattara launched his re-election campaign in the central city of Daloa.

Ouattara, who is running for a fourth term, began his campaign under the slogan “A knockout victory”. The unrest highlights growing frustration following the Constitutional Council’s decision in September to reject the candidacies of key opposition figures, including former president Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Tidjane Thiam.

Authorities had banned Saturday’s protest, citing “public order concerns.” Despite this, small groups of demonstrators gathered in the Saint-Jean and Blockhauss neighborhoods, chanting for democracy and denouncing Ouattara’s continued rule. “I came out because I’m tired of this country. His time is over; he must leave,” said Marie Rolande Gouho Zion, one of the protesters.

By midday, 237 people had been arrested, according to Interior Minister Vagondo Diomandé, who reaffirmed that the march was not authorized. Several journalists covering the protest were reportedly assaulted, with police seizing cameras and deleting footage.

Opposition leaders condemned what they called “arbitrary arrests” and warned of “serious risks to national stability.” Simon Doho of the Democratic Party (PDCI) and Sébastien Dano Djedje of the African People’s Party (PPA-CI) both criticized what they described as “peace enforced by arms.”

Meanwhile, President Ouattara launched his campaign before thousands of supporters at Daloa stadium, emphasizing unity and stability. “I love this Côte d’Ivoire that brings together men and women from all communities,” he said, touting his achievements in infrastructure and announcing plans for a new highway linking Daloa to Yamoussoukro.

“The message is clear: on October 25, we will vote for peace, stability, and continuity,” declared regional leader Mamadou Touré during the rally.

Five candidates are officially in the race, including opposition figures Jean-Louis Billon, Simone Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello, and Henriette Lagou, all facing the incumbent Ouattara in what promises to be a decisive contest for the country’s future.