By African View Staff Writer, August 2025
The political landscape in Côte d’Ivoire is shifting rapidly ahead of the October presidential election, with Ahoua Don Mello, a former minister and close ally of ex-president Laurent Gbagbo, throwing his hat into the ring.
Mello announced his candidacy as what he called a "precautionary move" amid uncertainty over Gbagbo’s ability to run. The former president and leader of the African People’s Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) has been barred from contesting, a decision he is currently appealing.
Despite belonging to the same party, the announcement has caused internal rifts. Gbagbo swiftly dismissed Mello from his party position as Vice President for Pan-Africanism, prompting Mello to run as an independent.
This latest development underscores ongoing tensions within the opposition. Gbagbo, who was ousted from power in 2011 after refusing to concede defeat, was acquitted of war crimes at the International Criminal Court following deadly post-election violence.
President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking re-election, has pledged a peaceful electoral process. But concerns are growing among observers that the exclusion of major figures, not only Gbagbo but also Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), could spark unrest.
As the countdown to October continues, Ivorians are watching closely to see how the race unfolds, and whether it can truly be free, fair, and inclusive.
Source: africanews.com
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