By : Lloyd Mahachi 

Ivory Coast President Alassane Dramane Ouattara has dropped a hint that he’s open to running for a fourth term in office. This comes despite his party not making any formal decision about the upcoming 2025 election.

On January 8, Ouattara made a speech to diplomats in Abidjan, where he said, “I am in good health and eager to continue serving my country,” marking his clearest indication yet of a potential bid. This statement has sparked speculation about his intentions, with many wondering if he will ultimately decide to run again.

Ouattara, who is now 83 years old, has been in office since 2011. He secured a third term in 2020, which was surrounded by controversy. Prior to this, he had expressed a desire to step down, but it seems that his decision may depend on whether his longtime political rivals also retire from politics.

The Ivory Coast president’s health appears to be a key factor in his decision to potentially run again. During his speech, he emphasized that he is in good health and eager to continue serving his country. This is likely to alleviate concerns about his ability to lead the country, given his advanced age.

In September, Ouattara’s party voiced support for another candidacy, although an official announcement has not been made. The party’s support is likely to give Ouattara a boost if he decides to run again. However, it’s worth noting that the final decision has not been made, and Ouattara may still choose not to run.

Ivory Coast’s presidential election is scheduled to take place in October 2025. If Ouattara does decide to run, it’s likely to be a highly contested election. The country has a history of political tensions, and Ouattara’s potential bid for a fourth term is likely to be met with both support and opposition.

The opposition has already begun to criticize Ouattara’s potential bid, arguing that he has been in power for too long. They claim that it’s time for a change and that Ouattara’s continued rule would be undemocratic. However, Ouattara’s supporters argue that he has done a good job and deserves to continue leading the country.

As the election approaches, the debate over Ouattara’s potential bid will likely continue to heat up. The country’s political landscape is complex, and the outcome of the election is far from certain. One thing is clear, however: the upcoming election will be a pivotal moment in Ivory Coast’s history.

Editor  : Josephine Mahachi