Our correspondent in Abidjan, Abdoul Aziz Diallo, reports on the reshuffle.

Initially, Laurent Gbagbo had hinted at delegating some of his powers to a single individual. Instead, five high-ranking figures within the PPA-CI have been appointed to share new responsibilities at the party’s helm.

Assoa Adou has been named First Vice-President, tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the party’s guiding principles.

Hubert Oulaye takes on the role of Second Vice-President, overseeing party operations and presiding over central committee meetings.

Emmanuel Ackah, a former ambassador, assumes the position of Third Vice-President, responsible for energizing the PPA-CI’s grassroots.

Justin Katinan Koné retains oversight of the party’s overall political strategy.

Sébastien Dano Djédjé will chair the Strategic and Political Council, ensuring cohesive policy implementation.

According to Gbagbo, this restructuring marks a shift toward a ‘more collegial leadership style’, rooted in ‘shared responsibilities and unified action’.

Political analyst Abdourahmane Barry cautions against interpreting this move as a fundamental shift in the PPA-CI’s governance. He notes that while these five figures will handle day-to-day operations, ‘the ultimate authority and decision-making power remain firmly with Laurent Gbagbo’, as emphasized by the sociologist.