In 2020, the Ivorian president announced that he would not run for a third term, before reneging on his word following the death of his designated successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly. His announcement regarding a possible bid for a fourth term was eagerly awaited by all Ivorians.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara (photo) is running for a fourth term. He made the announcement on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, during a televised speech.
“I stand by my word […] However, my years at the helm of our country have made me realize that duty can sometimes transcend a promise made in good faith,” said the head of state, referring to his 2020 pledge to hand over power. “I have decided to run […] because our country’s Constitution allows me to serve another term and my health permits it. I am running because our country is facing unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges, the management of which requires experience,” he added.
This statement follows several months of political debate surrounding his candidacy. While his opponents are urging him not to run again, many influential figures in the government and the ruling RHDP party are encouraging him to seek another term. On June 22, 2025, during an RHDP meeting, Mr. Ouattara indicated that he would make a decision based on his conscience.
This announcement comes as his former political opponent, Laurent Gbagbo, has been nominated as the PPA-CI candidate for the 2025 presidential election, despite his ineligibility due to a 20-year prison sentence handed down by the Ivorian courts in the case of the robbery of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). Within the PDCI, internal tensions pit former banker Tidjane Thiam against a faction of the party which, due to his removal from the electoral roll, is calling for a plan B to contest the elections. In a recent interview, the 63-year-old politician rejected any idea of supporting billionaire Jean-Louis Billon, a party member and declared candidate in the presidential election, thus reviving fears of a lasting division within this historic party.
“This new term will be one of generational transition with the team I will put in place. We will be able to consolidate what we have achieved and continue to improve the daily lives of our fellow citizens, especially the most vulnerable,” he concluded, calling on Ivorians to place their trust in him.
