Abidjan, August 30, 2025 – Supporters of Charles Blé Goudé, president of the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP), gathered in large numbers this Saturday in Yamoussoukro to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their movement.

For the first time, the event was held as a paid-entry rally, yet it drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of militants and sympathizers. The festive atmosphere was marked by strong and symbolic speeches from Charles Blé Goudé, who made it clear that he intends to play a key role in the political showdown set for October 2025.

During his address, Blé Goudé reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful political struggle:

“I do not choose force to fight force; I go with bare hands. This has been my philosophy since 2004 and 2007, and even today I still speak of peace,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any form of electoral violence.

The former Youth Minister under ex-President Laurent Gbagbo also touched on the challenges of national reconciliation, denouncing his removal from the electoral roll as unfair. Despite being barred from running, he pointed out that other opposition figures such as Simone Gbagbo, M. Don Melo (former PPA-CI vice president), and MP Assalé Tiémoko remain in the race.

“I will use all my leadership during these elections to prevent conflict. When Côte d’Ivoire is at stake, my ego takes a back seat,” he said.

While calling for opposition unity, Blé Goudé challenged the narrative that a united opposition is the only path to victory:

“People say if the opposition is not united, it cannot win. That’s not true,” he stated.

Reform Agenda and Political Vision

Outlining his political ambitions, Blé Goudé promised that if elected, he would pursue deep institutional reforms. These include:

·       Abolishing the Senate and the Vice Presidency

·       Reforming the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI)

·       Restructuring the Constitutional Council

“The president of the Constitutional Council should no longer be appointed by the Head of State but elected by his peers,” he asserted.

On social policy, he stressed the need for an autonomous healthcare system:

“If I become President, no one will need to go abroad for treatment. Everyone will be treated right here in Côte d’Ivoire,” he pledged.

Regional Support and Political Alliances

The event drew several political allies, civil society actors, and COJEP collaborators. Among them were:

·       Ouraga Serge, spokesperson for COJEP

·       MP Assalé Tiémoko

·       Delegations representing M. Don Melo and Simone Ehivet Gbagbo

·       International delegations from Cameroon, Guinea, and Togo, reflecting the sub-regional influence of the movement.

During the gathering, Dr. Patrice Saraka, COJEP’s Secretary General, reiterated his full support for Blé Goudé:

“Whenever Charles Blé Goudé faces challenges, we will be there,” he said, praising the commitment of the party’s militants.

The celebration, highlighted by traditional Baoulé dances and musical performances, also featured the inauguration of Florence Ehounou as the new head of COJEP’s Women’s Union.