Once sidelined from the presidential race due to legal technicalities, former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has defied expectations by reclaiming leadership of the People’s Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). The decision came during the party’s first ordinary congress on May 14-15 at the Treichville Cultural Palace, where delegates unanimously endorsed his return despite his absence.
Why Gbagbo made his political comeback
The move appears motivated by several factors: President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to extend his own political career, the PPA-CI’s lackluster performance in recent elections, and what party officials describe as ‘overwhelming public demand’ for Gbagbo’s continued leadership. The 80-year-old leader, known affectionately as ‘Woody de Mama,’ has framed his return as necessary to guide a nation facing significant challenges.
Party unity after internal strife
The congress showcased apparent unity, with 3,000 delegates celebrating Gbagbo’s re-election by acclamation. Behind the scenes, however, the party has undergone significant restructuring. Disciplinary measures were taken against dissenting members who ignored the party’s boycott of recent elections, including former vice-president Ahoua Don Mello, who ran unsuccessfully as an independent candidate.
The party’s disciplinary committee expelled three prominent figures and suspended 62 others, including Lakota’s mayor Prince Arthur Dalli, independent deputy Stéphane Kipré, and professor Georges Armand Ouégnin. This purge followed their public defiance of the party’s election boycott strategy.
What’s next for the PPA-CI?
While Gbagbo’s return may boost morale, questions remain about his day-to-day involvement. Known for his bakery nickname, the former president has historically delegated party management to others. His recent public statements and the ‘Renaissance Festival’ in his hometown suggest he remains deeply engaged. As one observer noted, ‘Old habits die hard’ – and Gbagbo’s political instincts appear as sharp as ever.
