Party delegates reaffirm confidence in veteran leader

The Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) held its first ordinary congress on May 14 in Abidjan’s Treichville Cultural Palace, where nearly 3,000 delegates overwhelmingly re-elected Laurent Gbagbo as party president. This marks his continued leadership of a political movement he established in 2020 following his return from the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he was acquitted of crimes against humanity charges related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

At 80 years old, Gbagbo had announced in 2025 his intention to step back from official party duties while remaining politically active. However, after persistent urging from his supporters, he agreed to continue leading the PPA-CI. The congress aims to strengthen internal party organization and revitalize grassroots structures, while also marking a gradual transition toward younger leadership.

Gbagbo’s re-election signals the party’s commitment to his vision while preparing for future political challenges in Ivory Coast’s evolving landscape.