PDCI-RDA pushes for political talks to resolve Côte d’Ivoire’s challenges
The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), the country’s leading opposition party, has renewed calls for urgent political dialogue with the administration of President Alassane Ouattara. The move aims to address pressing national issues, including the establishment of an independent electoral body and the return of party leader Cheick Tidjane Thiam.
Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, the party’s spokesperson and deputy in the Ivorian National Assembly, delivered the appeal during a press briefing held on May 13, 2026, at the PDCI-RDA’s headquarters in Cocody, Abidjan.
Opposition seeks independent electoral commission
‘’We insist on initiating a structured political dialogue with the government to tackle the nation’s most critical challenges,’’ Traoré emphasized. ‘’The PDCI-RDA is fully prepared to engage in any negotiations that lead to the creation of a truly independent electoral commission. Our party remains vigilant and insists that this new body must operate with complete autonomy.’’
Internal party divisions over rapprochement with ruling party
Addressing calls from some PDCI-RDA members advocating closer ties with the president’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Traoré clarified that these voices do not reflect the official stance of the party, which is led by Thiam. However, he did not rule out the possibility of future collaboration, stating, ‘’We do not exclude such an outcome.’’
‘’The PDCI-RDA is fundamentally a party of dialogue,’’ he added. ‘’We have no permanent adversaries—only shared goals for Côte d’Ivoire’s progress.’’
Criticism of national development plan and agricultural sector
The spokesperson also voiced concerns over the recent crisis in Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee and cocoa sectors, describing the situation as alarming. Additionally, he criticized the 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND), arguing that some of its provisions lack realism and feasibility.
Regarding the emergence of an internal faction within the PDCI-RDA called ‘Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité’ (HDL), led by Valérie Yapo, Traoré asserted that the party’s statutes do not permit the existence of such internal currents.
Conditions for Thiam’s return to Côte d’Ivoire
On the long-awaited return of Cheick Tidjane Thiam, who has been abroad for months, Traoré stressed that guarantees must be provided to ensure his safe return. ‘’Any insult directed at Thiam is an insult to the entire PDCI-RDA,’’ he declared, underscoring the deep respect the party holds for its leader. As vice-president of the Ivorian National Assembly, Traoré also serves as a prominent figure within the opposition.
The press conference concluded with a bold declaration from the PDCI-RDA: ‘’Our ultimate ambition is to regain leadership of the country and guide its future.’’