In October 2025, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire reached a historic and deeply contentious milestone: the re-election of 83-year-old Alassane Ouattara for a fourth presidential term. This event was not merely a political victory for the incumbent but the culmination of a decade-long strategy of constitutional maneuvering, economic ambition, and the systematic sidelining of political rivals.
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To understand the weight of this moment, one must trace the arc of Ouattara’s career—from the “technocrat” savior of the 1990s to the “strongman” of the 2020s.
The Architect of the “Ivorian Miracle” 2.0
Alassane Ouattara’s rise was rooted in his identity as a world-class economist. After serving as a high-ranking official at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he was brought into the Ivorian government in 1990 by the nation’s founding father, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, to rescue a collapsing economy.
Following his eventual ascension to the presidency in 2011—achieved only after a bloody post-election civil war that claimed over 3,000 lives—Ouattara delivered on his economic promises. Under his watch:
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GDP Growth: The country averaged 6% to 7% annual growth between 2012 and 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
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Infrastructure: Abidjan was transformed with new bridges, highways, and skyscrapers, reclaiming its title as the “Paris of West Africa.”
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Poverty Reduction: The poverty rate fell from 55% in 2011 to roughly 37.5% by 2021.
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Electrification: Access to electricity surged from 33% at the start of his tenure to over 90% by 2024.
However, critics argue this “miracle” was top-heavy, benefiting an elite class and foreign (primarily French) corporations while leaving the rural poor and a restless youth population behind.
The Constitutional “Reset” and the Third Term
The seeds of the 2025 crisis were sown in 2016 when Ouattara introduced a new constitution. While he claimed it was meant to modernize the country, it contained a legal “loophole” that would change everything. By creating a “Third Republic,” Ouattara’s supporters argued that his previous two terms were “wiped clean,” effectively resetting the two-term limit.
In 2020, after the sudden death of his handpicked successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Ouattara reneged on his promise to step down and ran for a third term. That election was marked by:
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Violence: Over 80 deaths in election-related clashes.
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Boycotts: Major opposition parties refused to participate, leading to a “landslide” victory of 94% for Ouattara.
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The 2025 Campaign: “Security and Experience”
By the time 2025 arrived, the 83-year-old president faced a country weary of his long tenure. On July 29, 2025, Ouattara looked into the cameras and confirmed the fears of the opposition: he would seek a fourth term. He justified the move by citing “unprecedented security challenges,” specifically the threat of jihadist spillover from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
The Sidelining of Rivals
The road to the October 2025 election was cleared of almost every significant obstacle. The Constitutional Council, seen by many as loyal to the presidency, disqualified the heavyweights of Ivorian politics:
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Laurent Gbagbo: The former president and Ouattara’s old rival was barred due to a prior conviction (despite his acquittal by the ICC).
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Tidjane Thiam: The former Credit Suisse CEO and leader of the PDCI was removed on a technicality regarding his French citizenship.
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Guillaume Soro: The former rebel leader and Prime Minister remained in exile with a standing conviction.
Only five candidates were allowed to run, none of whom possessed the national machinery to challenge Ouattara’s RHDP party.
The October 2025 Election and Aftermath
On October 25, 2025, the election took place under heavy security. While the government praised the “peaceful” nature of the vote, international observers noted a low turnout—roughly 35% in some areas—and a climate of fear.
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The Result: Ouattara was declared the winner with a massive majority and was sworn in on December 8, 2025.
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Legislative Consolidation: In the parliamentary elections that followed on December 27, 2025, Ouattara’s party consolidated power further, winning 197 out of 255 seats.
As of January 2026, Alassane Ouattara sits as the undisputed master of the Ivory Coast. His supporters see him as the only man capable of keeping the “Ivorian ship” steady in a region plagued by coups and terrorism. His detractors, however, see a leader who has successfully “bent the system” to ensure he remains in power for life, mirroring the very “strongman” politics he once promised to end.
The Enduring Influence of France
Throughout this journey, France has remained a silent partner. Despite recent moves to reduce the French military footprint—including the 2024 announcement to withdraw troops from the Port-Bouet base—the economic and political ties remain “umbilical.” France’s support (or lack of public criticism) for Ouattara’s third and fourth terms has reinforced the perception among Ivorians that the “keys to the front door” are still held in Paris.