The Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI-RDA) held its 18th political bureau meeting on Saturday, April 5, in Yamoussoukro — in the absence of its president, Tidjane Thiam.

Thiam, who was held up in Europe for important reasons, was unable to attend this key meeting. His absence was announced at the start of the session by Cowppli Bony, the party’s honorary president, who conveyed Thiam’s apologies to those in attendance.
“I deeply regret to inform you that President Thiam will not be among us today. He asked me to extend his sincerest apologies,” said Cowppli Bony, according to Abidjan.net.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that a PDCI-RDA elective convention will take place on April 16 to determine the party's candidate. Two figures have officially declared their candidacy for the party leadership: Tidjane Thiam and Jean-Louis Billon, who did not attend the political bureau.

Billon clarified his position, stating:
“I am not the enemy of my party. I am not an opponent to anyone. I am the son of a party I deeply love.” He also emphasized the importance of holding a legitimate congress ahead of the convention, to ensure that every voice is heard and the election is conducted fairly.

This announcement marks a critical step in the PDCI's electoral process, as the party prepares to select its new leader amid a tense political climate. Notably, the Ivorian judiciary is set to rule on April 11 on whether to annul Tidjane Thiam’s current election as president of the PDCI-RDA