The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), the principal opposition force in Côte d’Ivoire, has once again called for a political dialogue with the administration of President Alassane Ouattara. The party aims to address pressing national concerns, specifically focusing on the establishment of a new electoral body and facilitating the return of its leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.

This plea for engagement was articulated by MP Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, who serves as the spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA. He delivered this message during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters located in Cocody, eastern Abidjan.

“We are advocating for a form of political dialogue with the government to tackle the challenges currently facing our nation,” stated Mr. Bredoumy during his interaction with journalists. “The PDCI stands ready to engage in any political discussion that leads to the creation of a new, genuinely independent electoral body. We remain highly vigilant and insist that this new institution must possess authentic autonomy.”

Responding to recent suggestions from certain party officials and activists advocating for a closer relationship between the PDCI-RDA and President Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these sentiments do not represent the official stance of the party, which is determined by its president, Tidjane Thiam. However, he affirmed, “we do not rule it out.” He further emphasized, “The PDCI is a party committed to dialogue; therefore, we consider no one an adversary.”

Mr. Bredoumy also voiced concerns regarding the recent crisis impacting Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee-cocoa sector. He provided an analysis of the nation’s 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND), identifying certain aspects he considers unrealistic.

Addressing the formation earlier in May of an internal faction within the PDCI, named “Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité” (HDL) and led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy asserted that “the internal regulations of the PDCI do not permit the existence of such factions.”

Regarding 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 safe return.

“When Tidjane Thiam is insulted, it is the entire PDCI that is being insulted,” commented Mr. Bredoumy, who also holds the position of Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.

The PDCI-RDA spokesperson concluded his conference by reiterating the party’s overarching aspiration: “to once again lead the governance of the country.”