Laurent Gbagbo remains at the helm of Côte d’Ivoire’s PPA-CI after party congress
Militants of the Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) have reaffirmed their support for former President Laurent Gbagbo during an ordinary congress held in Abidjan. At 80 years old, Gbagbo begins a new term as leader of the party he founded following his return from the International Criminal Court.
Historic re-election at Treichville’s Cultural Palace
The party’s first ordinary congress since its establishment in 2020 took place at the Palais de la Culture de Treichville in Abidjan. Nearly 3,000 delegates attended, where Laurent Gbagbo was overwhelmingly re-elected to lead the party. His return to the helm comes after his acquittal at the ICC, which cleared him of charges related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.
A change of heart on retirement
Just months ago, in 2025, Gbagbo had expressed intentions to step away from official party duties while remaining politically active. However, following persistent calls from his supporters, he agreed to continue leading the PPA-CI, signaling a renewed commitment to the party’s future.
Strategic vision for the party’s future
The congress served as a platform to outline the party’s new roadmap, focusing on internal restructuring and revitalizing grassroots organizations. Party leaders emphasized that Gbagbo’s re-election marks a critical phase in transitioning toward a new generation of leadership, ensuring continuity while fostering renewal.