Côte d’Ivoire: African Union Emphasizes Stability Ahead of Presidential Election

Edited by: Widad WAHBI

The African Union underlined today the critical importance of political stability in Côte d’Ivoire as the country prepares for its October presidential election, offering its full support to ensure the process unfolds smoothly and transparently.

Following a high-level visit to Abidjan, AU delegation head Mahamat Saleh Annadif of Chad warned of the regional implications of unrest in Côte d’Ivoire. “It is important to safeguard the progress achieved in Côte d’Ivoire. If Côte d’Ivoire sneezes, the entire region could catch a cold,” he said.

Annadif added that the AU’s mission was to provide “accompaniment so that the elections can take place under the best possible conditions,” emphasizing that dialogue had taken place with “all sides of the political spectrum,” and urging every actor to “play their part.”

Tensions are running high after several prominent opposition leaders, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and PDCI party head Tidjane Thiam, were excluded from the presidential race. The move has stirred concern over political inclusiveness and fairness.

During its visit, the AU delegation met with Gbagbo, representatives from a major opposition coalition, the ruling party, and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the body responsible for organizing the vote.

President Alassane Ouattara, who has led the country since 2011, has yet to confirm whether he will seek a fourth term. However, sources suggest his candidacy is likely to be announced during his party’s national congress on June 21–22.