Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo secured another term as leader of the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) during the party’s first ordinary congress held at the Treichville Culture Palace in Abidjan.

With nearly 3,000 delegates in attendance, Gbagbo was overwhelmingly re-elected to lead the political movement he established in 2020 following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court. The court had dismissed charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

Though Gbagbo had announced in 2025 that he intended to step back from official party duties while remaining politically active, party members insisted he continue leading the PPA-CI. At 80 years old, his renewed leadership signals a commitment to guiding the party through an era of generational transition.

The congress also focused on strengthening internal organization and revitalizing grassroots structures within the party. Party officials see this new mandate as an opportunity to prepare the groundwork for future leadership succession while maintaining Gbagbo’s political influence.