Tension in Ivory Coast as Ouattara seeks fourth term amid alleged opposition exclusion

In the capital and beyond, citizens from across the political and social divide are urging calm and calling for dialogue and electoral inclusion as the country heads toward its October 25, 2025, presidential election, with over 8.7 million Ivorians registered to vote.

Hyppo Niombio, a survivor of the previous electoral violence, told Viory that, "When we see all the efforts that have been made, we don’t want them to be wasted again," he said.

"Like it or not, the country risks sinking into violence. It’s important to call on everyone citizens, the international community, and religious leaders to act to prevent further violence. We no longer want to see our brothers fleeing to Ghana. I myself was kidnapped and had my skull fractured three times,” he added.

Ouattara, now 83, was re-elected in 2020 following a constitutional revision that effectively reset term limits. The 2016 Constitution permits him to seek one more term.

For many opposition members, the announcement raised fresh concerns over political exclusion. Siabe Oscar, an opposition figure, criticised the disqualification of candidates from the electoral list, stating that, "What worries all Ivorians today is that some candidates have been excluded, even though they are determined to contest the election. Since President Ouattara has always prioritised security and the well-being of Ivorians, I believe he must find a solution with the excluded opposition figures. Being a candidate doesn’t necessarily mean winning. But re-registering them would allow free and fair participation, giving Ivorians the right to choose their leader."

 More than 3,000 people were killed in the 2010 - 2011 crisis following disputed election results.