Thousands of ruling party supporters filled the streets of Abidjan’s Yopougon district on Sunday, backing President Alassane Ouattara’s expected re-election bid.
The gathering, led by the Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), capped weeks of local meetings and signalled a unified call for Ouattara to seek a fourth term.
Though Ouattara, 83, has not formally declared his candidacy, party leaders spoke with certainty, calling him the sole path forward for the country.
“There is only one road, the road of President Alassane Ouattara,” said former Prime Minister Patrick Achi, addressing the enthusiastic crowd.
Achi promised a renewed Ivory Coast, one where the youth would play a central role in national progress under Ouattara’s continued leadership.
Banners reading “In Yopougon our champion is ADO”—referring to the president’s initials—draped the stage as chants echoed through the working-class neighbourhood.
Political tensions have escalated ahead of the October election after four prominent opposition figures were barred from running.
Among those disqualified is Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, removed from the voter roll over nationality concerns.
Also excluded are former president Laurent Gbagbo, exiled former prime minister Guillaume Soro, and former youth leader Charles Blé Goudé, all sidelined due to criminal convictions.
Saturday saw protests from opposition supporters in Abidjan, demanding a fair and inclusive vote.
The government maintains the judiciary acts independently, denying any interference in the disqualifications.
The RHDP is set to hold its national congress on June 21–22, culminating in a mass rally at Ebimpe Stadium, a symbol of national pride after the country’s 2024 football triumph.