The political landscape of Côte d'Ivoire has just experienced a significant shift with the formation of the Coalition for Peaceful Alternation (CAP), a new political platform that is already positioning itself as a key player ahead of the 2025 presidential election. Bringing together prominent opposition figures, CAP was officially launched on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the PDCI-RDA headquarters, marking a strategic turning point for the upcoming elections.

Key Figures of the Coalition

The coalition brings together political leaders with distinct backgrounds and ambitions, all united by a common goal: peaceful political alteration in 2025. CAP brings together several major political parties, each with a significant influence on Ivorian politics.

Tidjane Thiam, leader of the PDCI-RDA, represents the historical weight of the oldest political party in the country. The former Minister of Economy and Finance, who has also led international financial institutions, brings to this coalition his experience and image as a moderate and visionary statesman.

Pascal Affi N'Guessan, leader of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), leverages his governmental experience, particularly his role as a former Prime Minister. His political stature and knowledge of the workings of the Ivorian state enhance the coalition’s credibility, especially among voters seeking concrete solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.

Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, president of the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), has always been a central figure in Ivorian opposition. Her role within the coalition signals the opposition’s intent to unite various forces to offer a solid alternative to the current government.

Charles Blé Goudé, leader of the Congress of Young Patriots (COJEP), plays a crucial role in supporting the coalition with his influence over the youth and his reputation as a charismatic leader in popular movements. His commitment to peace and national reconciliation is an asset for CAP in its pursuit of peaceful alternation.

A New Chapter for Ivorian Opposition

The formation of this coalition marks an effort to reshape the political landscape in Côte d'Ivoire. By joining forces, these political leaders aim to provide Ivorian citizens with a credible alternative to the current ruling power, prioritizing a peaceful and inclusive approach. CAP represents a democratic renewal, emphasizing the need for a calm political transition.

The alliance is based on several core principles: national reconciliation, democratization of the electoral process, and respect for human rights. These shared values strengthen the unity of the coalition, despite the diverse paths and approaches of its member parties.

The Stakes for the CAP Coalition

The absence of certain major political parties from this new alliance raises questions. Indeed, the Parti des Peuples Africains-Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) of Laurent Gbagbo and Generations and Peoples Solidarity (GPS) of Guillaume Soro have not joined the CAP, despite their political weight. This could have repercussions on the dynamics of the opposition, particularly in terms of popular support and the ability to gather a broad electorate.

However, the creation of CAP is seen as an opportunity for the opposition to present a strong alternative project and address the country’s political, economic, and social challenges. The coalition aims to offer an inclusive and transparent governance model, focusing on peace, social justice, and national reconciliation. The challenge will be to convince skeptical voters and unite the unaligned parties.