Speculation had mounted: would he step aside or remain active? Despite being barred from contesting the recent Ivorian presidential election due to a technicality distinguishing between a “pardon” and “amnesty,” the octogenarian Laurent Gbagbo had previously hinted at a withdrawal from the political arena.
Was it the decision of his “foremost adversary,” Alassane Ouattara, to extend his own political career at the nation’s helm? Or perhaps the current, relative struggles of the nascent Parti des peuples africains-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) necessitated a final stand from its founder, following the protracted divisions within the Front populaire ivoirien (FPI)? Whatever the underlying motives, “Woody of Mama” has officially re-engaged, reportedly swayed by an overwhelming “popular fervor” urging him to continue guiding a “struggling Ivorian populace.”
On the inaugural day of the party’s first ordinary congress, held on May 14 and 15 at the Palais de la culture in Treichville, the former head of state was reinstated, in his absence, as the leader of the party he champions. The stated objective, somewhat paradoxical, is both to ensure continuity and to inject new dynamism into its operations. The PPA-CI notably did not participate in the last presidential election, nor in the recent legislative elections of 2025.
Unity after the purge
While the atmosphere of acclamation—the founder’s re-election by unanimous consent—and the palpable enthusiasm of the 3,000 delegates conveyed an impression of desirable unity, the congress also served to consolidate ranks. This was crucial after a period marked by independent political ventures by some PPA-CI members, notably Ahoua Don Mello, the former executive vice-president, who ran unsuccessfully as an independent candidate in the October presidential race.
The central committee took decisive action, expelling three dissidents from the party and suspending 62 other members for probationary periods ranging from three to eighteen months. Among those disciplined were prominent figures such as Prince Arthur Dalli, the mayor of Lakota, Stéphane Kipré, now an independent Member of Parliament, and Professor Georges Armand Ouégnin.
Dissidents’ defiance
These individuals had advocated for a renewal of the political party’s structures and a redistribution of responsibilities. For their “disobedience” to the call for an election boycott, they were not permitted to attend the pivotal conclave at the Palais de la culture.
Indeed, leading a political party might seem straightforward, especially for one affectionately known as “the baker.” Laurent Gbagbo reportedly has no intention of handling the party’s day-to-day administration. This was implied by a series of proposals prior to the former head of state’s public address to the delegates on Friday, May 15, and the “Renaissance Festival” organized the following Saturday in the Ivorian village of Songon. However, old habits, as they say, die hard.
