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Ivory Coast leader's bid for a 4th term after rivals sidelined is seen as a risk for democracy

Ivory Coast President Ouattara Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2025, Paving Way for New Leadership

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — In a significant political development that could reshape the landscape of one of West Africa's most stable economies, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has declared that he will not run for a fourth term in the 2025 presidential election. The 82-year-old leader, who has held power since 2010, made the announcement during a joint session of parliament, emphasizing his desire to hand over the reins to a younger generation and ensure a smooth transition in the world's top cocoa-producing nation.

Ouattara's decision comes amid ongoing debates about term limits and democratic governance in Africa, where several leaders have extended their stays in office through constitutional amendments or controversial interpretations. In his address, Ouattara reflected on his tenure, highlighting the progress Ivory Coast has made under his leadership. "I have decided not to be a candidate in the 2025 presidential election," he stated, adding that this choice was made after careful consideration and in the interest of national unity. He expressed confidence in the country's institutions and the readiness of emerging leaders to continue the work he started.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Ivory Coast, a country that has experienced turbulent political history, including a civil war from 2002 to 2007 and a post-election crisis in 2010-2011 that claimed thousands of lives. Ouattara first came to power in 2010 after a disputed election against then-incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, which led to violent clashes and international intervention. Backed by the United Nations and French forces, Ouattara eventually assumed office, and Gbagbo was later tried at the International Criminal Court, though acquitted in 2019.

Since then, Ouattara has been credited with steering Ivory Coast toward economic recovery and growth. The nation has seen an average annual GDP growth rate of around 7-8% in recent years, driven by investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and urban development. Major projects under his administration include the expansion of the Abidjan port, the construction of highways connecting key cities, and initiatives to boost cocoa production, which remains the backbone of the economy. Ouattara, a former International Monetary Fund economist, has positioned Ivory Coast as a regional hub for business and trade, attracting foreign investment from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

However, his presidency has not been without controversy. In 2020, Ouattara ran for and won a third term, a move that sparked widespread protests and violence, resulting in dozens of deaths. Critics argued that this violated the constitution's two-term limit, but Ouattara justified it by pointing to a 2016 constitutional reform that he claimed reset the term count. Opposition leaders boycotted the election, and figures like former President Henri Konan Bédié and ex-Prime Minister Guillaume Soro were either barred from running or faced legal challenges. The third-term bid deepened political divisions, with accusations of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.

Ouattara's decision not to seek reelection could help mend these rifts and foster a more inclusive political environment. In his speech, he called for unity and urged political actors to prioritize dialogue. "The time has come for the younger generation to take over," he said, signaling a potential shift toward fresh faces in Ivorian politics. This has sparked speculation about possible successors within his Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party. Names floated include current Prime Minister Patrick Achi, a technocrat known for his role in economic reforms, and Tidjane Thiam, a prominent banker and former CEO of Credit Suisse, who has expressed interest in national leadership.

The opposition has reacted cautiously to the announcement. Leaders from parties like the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) and the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) have welcomed the move but remain skeptical about the fairness of the upcoming electoral process. Pascal Affi N'Guessan, head of the FPI, described it as "a step in the right direction" but called for reforms to ensure transparent elections, including an independent electoral commission and the release of political prisoners. Similarly, the PDCI, led by the aging Bédié, has emphasized the need for reconciliation and an end to what they term "political persecution."

Analysts suggest that Ouattara's exit could stabilize Ivory Coast's democracy, especially as the country grapples with regional security threats. The Sahel region's jihadist insurgencies have spilled over into northern Ivory Coast, with attacks on border areas prompting military responses and international cooperation. Ouattara has strengthened ties with France and the United States for counterterrorism support, while also navigating the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) amid coups in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Economically, Ivory Coast faces challenges despite its growth. Poverty remains widespread in rural areas, youth unemployment is high, and climate change threatens cocoa yields. Ouattara's administration has invested in diversification, promoting sectors like mining, oil, and tourism, but critics argue that wealth has not trickled down evenly, exacerbating inequalities. The government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and global commodity price fluctuations has also been scrutinized, though Ivory Coast managed to rebound relatively quickly.

Looking ahead to 2025, the election is expected to be competitive, with potential candidates from various factions vying for power. Ouattara has pledged to support his party's nominee and ensure a peaceful handover, drawing parallels to his mentor, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Coast's founding president who ruled for over three decades until his death in 1993. Houphouët-Boigny's legacy of stability and economic progress has been a cornerstone of Ouattara's narrative, and he often invokes it to underscore his achievements.

International observers, including the African Union and the European Union, have praised Ouattara's announcement as a positive signal for democratic norms in Africa. It contrasts with leaders like Rwanda's Paul Kagame or Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, who have extended their tenures indefinitely. In West Africa, where term limits have been a flashpoint—evident in Guinea's recent political upheavals—Ouattara's step back could set a precedent.

For ordinary Ivorians, the news brings a mix of relief and uncertainty. In Abidjan's bustling markets and cocoa plantations in the interior, many express hope for change. "We've seen growth, but now it's time for new ideas," said a young entrepreneur in Yamoussoukro, the political capital. Others worry about potential instability if the transition falters, recalling the chaos of past elections.

As Ivory Coast prepares for this generational shift, Ouattara's legacy will likely be debated for years. He leaves behind a nation transformed from post-conflict fragility to economic powerhouse, yet one still healing from divisions. His decision not to run again underscores a commitment to renewal, but the true test will be in the conduct of the 2025 polls and the ability of successors to build on his foundations while addressing lingering grievances. With regional dynamics in flux, the world will watch closely as Ivory Coast charts its path forward.

This development not only alters the domestic political scene but also influences broader African governance trends. By stepping aside voluntarily, Ouattara positions himself as a statesman rather than a lifelong ruler, potentially enhancing his international stature. As campaigns gear up, the focus will be on issues like economic inequality, security, and youth empowerment, ensuring that the election becomes a referendum on the past decade's progress and a blueprint for the future. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/africa-ivory-coast-ouattara-election-c0d55dae684702b195274fdf39f2858e ]