In Côte d’Ivoire, the reshaping of the political landscape continues. Within the opposition, political parties are transforming, organising themselves and preparing for the upcoming elections. On 14 and 15 May, the ordinary congress of the African People’s Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) re-elected Laurent Gbagbo, the former president, as head of the political organisation. For Marie-Clémence Adom, director of the party school, “we were keen for him to be re-elected, as stepping down at a time when the party is not at its best would have been seen as a betrayal of the commitment he made to lift Ivorians out of a state of lawlessness”. Delegates also took the opportunity to adopt a motion of support for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The scientific committee further condemned the “terrorist actions instigated by imperialists” in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

PPA-CI: Gbagbo embarks on a delegation of powers, the details of which remain unclear

In another significant development, Gbagbo announced a reorganisation of the party to which he intends to delegate his powers. However, this is “neither a definitive withdrawal nor an immediate succession”. He thus maintains an air of uncertainty regarding the party’s management and his own level of involvement. Speaking to his supporters who had gathered for the 4th Festival of Rebirth in Songon on 17 May, he clarified his decision: “When I delegate my powers to someone, it does not mean that I am appointing them as my successor, not at all! "For the time being, he has not yet revealed the name of the person who will embody this role, which many see as a clear path to his future succession.

The RHDP tightens internal discipline ahead of the general election

On the government side, President Ouattara has also set about restructuring the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). The ruling party intends to bring its activists to heel, as independent candidates for the December parliamentary elections begin to emerge. The party president wishes to introduce further changes to smooth out the rough edges. The Houphouëtists have not ruled out invoking the disciplinary committee against those who refuse to comply.

Justice and the opposition: Assalé Tiémoko under judicial supervision

On the legal front, news reports have highlighted the indictment of opposition figure Assalé Tiémoko. He is notably accused of “spreading false information”, “disturbing public order” and “making offensive remarks”. He was placed under judicial supervision following his hearing at the Abidjan Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to his lawyer, the main condition is a ban on leaving the country, unless expressly authorised by the investigating judge. He is also prohibited from making comments or statements likely to disturb public order or discredit institutions through any means of communication. As a reminder, the former MP and president of the “Aujourd’hui et Demain, la Côte d’Ivoire” (ADCI) movement was taken into police custody last April for disturbing public order.