In Côte d’Ivoire, former President Laurent Gbagbo held a major rally just over six months ahead of the upcoming presidential election. On April 12, speaking to several thousand supporters gathered in Dabou, about 50 kilometers west of Abidjan, Gbagbo addressed his party’s recent decision to withdraw from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which his party, the PPA-CI, considers to be under the control of the ruling power. According to party officials, this withdrawal is only a “first step” in their broader electoral strategy.

Wearing a blue T-shirt honoring Gbagbo, Ange-Mikaëlle traveled 300 kilometers just to see her candidate. She supports the party’s decision to pull out of the CEI.

“It’s both an outcry and an act of frustration. All our complaints about the CEI have gone unheard. We’ve had enough,” she said.

Supporters are also demanding that Laurent Gbagbo be reinstated on the electoral roll. He was removed in 2020 following a judicial conviction. Some even appealed to President Alassane Ouattara, urging a response.

“This won’t be the last time. The real question is: when are we going to act?” one supporter asked.

Laurent Gbagbo Promises Victory

Before the crowd of loyal supporters, Gbagbo praised the PDCI delegation for also withdrawing from the CEI.

“I’m happy that the PDCI followed us,” he declared.

Despite his ineligibility, the former head of state promised that his party would press on to the presidential election.

“I don’t want a CEI that crawls. We’re going to the elections — and we’re going to win.”

Laurent Gbagbo concluded by inviting his supporters to gather again in two weeks for further instructions.