** Ivory Coast: towards a necessary political dialogue or a lasting impasse? **
Côte d’Ivoire, rich in its ethnic and cultural mosaic, is currently going through a period of political uncertainty, exacerbated by judicial decisions and calls for dialogue. Tidjane Thiam’s recent cancellation of the electoral list by justice has relaunched discussions on the ineligibility of certain major figures of the political scene, such as Laurent Gbagbo, Guillaume Soro and Charles Blé Goudé, the latter having himself expressed the need for political dialogue.
Charles Blé Goudé, ex-leader of the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP), has unanimously noted that several political leaders, despite their influence and their popular base, are now excluded from the electoral processes. His call to dialogue, posted on social networks, aims to bring together the different political forces around a table to discuss the big challenges that agitate the country. For Blé Goudé, this conclave should not be interpreted as a weakness of the power in place, nor as a victory for the opposition, but rather as a sign of commitment to peace and national stability.
However, the Ivorian government’s response remains firmly anchored in its refusal to open a new discussion cycle. According to Amadou Coulibaly, Minister spokesperson for the government, the institutions are established and operate according to the rules in force, which makes, in his view, the dialogue superfluous. This position nevertheless raises questions about the government’s ability to take into account the dissonant voices within the political class, in a country where historical tensions remain present.
The refusal of a political dialogue could be perceived as a pragmatic approach on the part of the government, seeking to avoid arrangements which could deviate from legal provisions. Nevertheless, by dismissing the votes of the original political leaders, does the question arise: is the government not likely to create a more deep gap between the different stakeholders of Ivorian politics?
The official publication of the electoral list scheduled for June 20, 2025 will be a decisive moment. It will not only have to comply with legal procedures, but also take into account social and political realities that can influence the perception of legitimacy among citizens. A transparent, democratic and peaceful election will not be able to set up without mutual trust between political actors and civil society.
The recent history of Côte d’Ivoire is marked by cycles of tension, conflict and often fragile reconciliations. The question of the ineligibility of political leaders, coupled with that of civil rights and democratic expression, requires thoughtful and cautious treatment. Dialogue, even if it may seem difficult to engage, remains a potential path towards reconciliation and stability, by making it possible to treat the grievances and aspirations of the different factions.
It is essential that everyone recognizes the legitimization of the concerns raised by figures like Charles Blé Goudé, while respecting the legal framework in place. In the end, an inclusion policy could open the way to a collective vision intended to restore mutual trust between political forces, justice and the people.
In a context where dialogue is often perceived as a sign of weakness, a conciliatory approach could prove to be a force. Will the political future of Côte d’Ivoire be shaped by a shared vision, or will we get bogged down in irreconcilable differences? This dilemma requires a profound reflection on the part of all the actors concerned. Only time will tell us if Côte d’Ivoire will be able to trace a path to a more inclusive, peaceful and truly representative policy of the aspirations of its people.