Ivorian party endorses Gbagbo’s leadership at Abidjan congress
Party delegates of the Parti des peuples africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened in Abidjan’s Treichville Cultural Centre to reaffirm their confidence in Laurent Gbagbo, extending his leadership of the party he co-founded upon his return from the International Criminal Court.
Congress confirms 80-year-old leader’s mandate
During Thursday’s extraordinary congress, nearly 3,000 delegates overwhelmingly re-elected Gbagbo, who had previously hinted at stepping back from active party leadership in 2025. The former Ivorian president, now 80, had stated his intention to remain politically engaged while ceding official party duties—yet his supporters’ persistent calls convinced him to continue leading the PPA-CI.
The party’s leadership emphasized the congress’s dual objectives: strengthening internal operations and preparing for a generational transition. Gbagbo’s renewed mandate is seen as a bridge between the party’s historical foundations and its future evolution.
Post-electoral legacy and political resilience
Gbagbo’s acquittal by the ICC in 2020 on charges related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis paved the way for the PPA-CI’s establishment. His leadership remains a focal point for both supporters and critics in Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving political landscape. The congress underscored the party’s commitment to consolidating its grassroots structures while positioning itself for upcoming electoral challenges.
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