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President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire announced on Tuesday that he will seek a fourth term in office, ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October.
According to Associated Press, Ouattara, 83, made the declaration during a televised address, stating his intention to remain at the helm of the West African nation. His decision comes despite widespread controversy over constitutional changes he introduced, which removed presidential term limits and paved the way for his continued leadership.
Ouattara had initially pledged not to run again after his second term, but reversed his decision in 2020 following the sudden death of his designated successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly. He went on to secure a third term in that year’s election.
His expected candidacy is already drawing criticism, particularly from opposition figures and legal experts who argue that the constitutional revisions undermine democratic principles.
Meanwhile, Tidjane Thiam, seen as one of Ouattara’s most prominent challengers, has been ruled ineligible to contest the election. A court disqualified him on the grounds that he holds dual citizenship.
