President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast has suggested he might run for another term in the country’s 2025 presidential election, signaling a potential continuation of his long-standing leadership.
Speaking to diplomats in Abidjan on January 8, the 83-year-old leader remarked, “I am in good health and eager to continue serving my country.” The statement marks his clearest indication yet of a possible fourth-term bid.
Ouattara’s remarks come amid ongoing debate about his political future. While he previously expressed a desire to retire, he has also hinted that his final decision might hinge on whether his political adversaries, including key rivals, also exit the political stage.
In 2020, Ouattara’s decision to seek a third term sparked widespread controversy and unrest, as critics argued it violated constitutional term limits. However, the Constitutional Council ruled that changes to the constitution reset his term count, allowing him to run.
In September 2024, Ouattara’s party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), indicated support for another candidacy, but no formal announcement has been made. With Ivory Coast’s presidential election scheduled for October, the possibility of Ouattara extending his leadership raises questions about the country’s political stability and adherence to democratic norms.
As the election season approaches, all eyes are on the veteran leader and his political opponents, with the future of Ivory Coast’s governance hanging in the balance.
