The harsh realities of politics in Ivory Coast are proving to be a challenging obstacle for Tidjane Thiam, despite his successful international business career. His aspirations to become president of the nation, known for its cocoa production and talented footballers, have hit a major roadblock.
Thiam’s eligibility for the upcoming election was called into question when a judge ruled that he had lost his Ivorian citizenship due to holding French nationality for too long. This setback has halted his seemingly unstoppable progress towards the presidency.
Returning to Ivory Coast after years in global finance, Thiam was seen as a strong contender to succeed the current president. His impressive background as a government official and successful career abroad made him a formidable candidate.
Despite being chosen as the candidate for the opposition party, Thiam faces tough competition from the incumbent president, who has a strong track record of economic growth and support from the ruling party.
Thiam’s candidacy offered voters a chance for change and continued economic progress, but now his political future hangs in the balance due to the citizenship issue.
If the court decision remains unchallenged, Thiam will be disqualified from the upcoming October contest. This adds to the exclusion of three other prominent opposition figures due to past court convictions – former President Laurent Gbagbo, former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, and former minister Charles Blé Goudé. These individuals played key roles in the political crises and civil conflicts that plagued Ivory Coast between 1999 and 2011.
The potential outcome is that President Ouattara or his chosen successor from the RHDP party will face little political opposition in the election. This could further disillusion Ivorians with the political establishment, especially considering the anti-politics sentiment spreading in West Africa, where disenchantment among young people is prevalent.
The economic prosperity of Ivory Coast makes its political developments significant not only within the region but also across francophone Africa. Despite recent positive democratic outcomes in countries like Liberia, Senegal, and Ghana, the run-up to Ivory Coast’s presidential election has become entangled in identity politics reminiscent of past conflicts.
The Thiam saga highlights how identity issues, even in a more peaceful era, can still have a significant impact. The legalistic interpretation of citizenship laws has led to Thiam’s exclusion from the electoral process, sparking debate and calls for compromise to allow him and other excluded candidates to participate.
As the election approaches, there is still hope for a resolution that upholds democratic principles and allows for a fair and inclusive electoral process. President Ouattara, if he chooses not to run, may intervene to facilitate a deal that permits Thiam to compete, preserving the country’s democratic credibility and international reputation.