Thiam and Gbagbo Form Alliance to Challenge Ouattara in Ivory Coast Elections

Former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam and ex-President Laurent Gbagbo have formed an alliance to challenge the ruling Rally of the Republicans in Ivory Coast's upcoming elections. Thiam's party and Gbagbo's African People's Party will advocate for key reforms, including a new voter enrollment process and an overhaul of the electoral commission. The alliance was formed after both men were disqualified from competing in the elections.

Former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam and ex-President Laurent Gbagbo have formed an alliance to challenge the ruling Rally of the Republicans (RDR) in Ivory Coast's upcoming elections. The alliance, announced on June 19, 2025, was formed after both men were disqualified from competing in the elections.

Thiam's Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) and Gbagbo's African People's Party (APP) will advocate for key reforms, including a new voter enrollment process and an overhaul of the electoral commission. The alliance aims to challenge the candidate of the ruling RDR, which is expected to select its nominee this weekend.

Thiam, who was disqualified due to his dual Ivorian-French nationality, praised Gbagbo's leadership in proposing the alliance, calling it an act of "patriotism" and an initiative to defend democratic principles. Gbagbo, who ruled the country from 2000 until 2011, is ineligible to run for president due to a conviction for embezzlement and money laundering while in office.

The alliance comes amid growing dissent in Ivory Coast, fueled by the exclusion of opposition candidates from the voter roll and the anticipation of a ruling party congress later this month, where President Alassane Ouattara is expected to announce his bid for the October 25 election. Ouattara has been in power since 2011 and is currently serving his third term, despite a two-term limit for presidents in the country.

The alliance has sparked protests, with thousands gathering in Abidjan to demand the reinstatement of Thiam on the electoral list. Despite heavy rain, protesters peacefully gathered near the independent electoral commission, the body responsible for organizing the vote.

The alliance's formation and the ongoing protests highlight the growing political tensions in Ivory Coast, which has a history of post-election violence. The upcoming elections are expected to be closely watched by investors and financial professionals due to the potential for political instability.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-19/thiam-party-forms-alliance-with-ex-president-before-ivorian-vote
[2] https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-protest-thiam-presidential-election-f49dff1a97385fea3bcbed921d132f0d