Tensions mount as Alassane Ouattara seeks fourth term in Ivory Coast vote

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Eromo Egbejule in Abidjan and Sadia Mandjo in GagnoaOctober 20, 2025 at 12:52 PM

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Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term in the upcoming presidential election, which will take place on October 25. The opposition has been protesting against his decision, with over 200 protesters being teargassed and arrested earlier this month. Protests have now been banned by the government, and leaders of two opposition parties reported that their homes were ransacked without a search warrant. Ouattara's supporters argue that he is exercising his constitutional right to run for office, while others claim that he should step down to make way for a new generation. The election has sparked concerns about free speech and disenfranchisement, particularly among opposition leaders who have been sidelined due to past convictions or disqualifications. The country's economy has grown rapidly under Ouattara's leadership since 2011, but the opposition is skeptical of his intentions.

Key Topics & Entities

Abidjan ×260% Laurent Gbagbo ×370% Simone Ehivet Gbagbo ×280% Alassane Ouattara ×9100% Ivory Coast ×4100%

Keywords

ivory coast presidential election 90% alassane ouattara 80% elections without bloodshed 70% opposition parties 60% multiparty elections 50% free speech crackdown 50% constitutional amendment 40%