The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), Côte d’Ivoire’s leading opposition political entity, has once more urged for the initiation of a political dialogue with Alassane Ouattara’s administration. This call aims to confront the fundamental issues challenging the nation, particularly focusing on the establishment of a truly independent electoral body and securing the return of PDCI-RDA leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.
Deputy Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, the official spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA, conveyed this pressing demand during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Cocody, located in eastern Abidjan.
“We are requesting a form of political dialogue with the ruling power to address the problems plaguing the country. We stand ready to engage in any political discussion that will lead to the creation of a new electoral body that is genuinely independent. The PDCI remains highly vigilant and insists that this new body must possess true autonomy,” the PDCI-RDA spokesperson emphasized during his exchange with the media.
Addressing recent statements from some party officials and activists advocating for a closer alignment between the PDCI-RDA and Alassane Ouattara’s RHDP, Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these sentiments do not represent the official stance of the party, which is articulated by its president, Tidjane Thiam.
Nevertheless, he affirmed, “we do not rule out such an approach.”
“The PDCI is a party committed to dialogue. Therefore, we harbor no animosity,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Mr. Bredoumy expressed concern over the recent crisis impacting Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee-cocoa sector. He also critically analyzed the country’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, identifying certain components as unrealistic.
Regarding the formation in early May of an internal PDCI faction named ‘Heirs for Democracy and Legality’ (HDL), led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy stated that “the PDCI’s internal regulations do not permit the existence of such factions.”
Concerning the conditions for the return of PDCI-RDA President Tidjane Thiam, who has been outside Côte d’Ivoire for several months, the party spokesperson indicated that “assurances” are necessary for his re-entry into the country.
“When Tidjane Thiam is insulted, it is the entire PDCI that is subjected to insult,” observed Mr. Bredoumy, who also serves as Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.
The PDCI-RDA spokesperson concluded his press briefing by reaffirming the party’s aspiration “to govern the nation once again.”
