Laurent gbagbo secures leadership of ppa-ci amidst internal party reshuffle

The African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened its inaugural ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This pivotal political gathering saw former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo affirmed as the party’s leader, alongside the implementation of disciplinary actions against several key officials and members.

At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo received an overwhelming acclamation from nearly 3,000 congress delegates, securing his continued tenure. This endorsement followed a recommendation from the party’s Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical leader to maintain his direction of the PPA-CI’s political agenda, a party established in October 2021.

With this renewed mandate, the party unequivocally signals its ambition to solidify its standing within the Ivorian opposition landscape, particularly as it looks ahead to upcoming electoral contests.

However, the congress also served as a platform for a significant internal restructuring initiative. Numerous party officials faced sanctions for failing to adhere to directives issued during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.

Notably, three senior party executives were expelled: Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine.

Furthermore, twenty-five activists received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Among those suspended for the full 18-month period were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand.

The disciplinary measures stem from certain officials’ support for dissident candidacies, which contravened the boycott instructions issued by the PPA-CI leadership during previous electoral processes.

The situation involving Awa Domelo garnered particular attention. Her candidacy had initially been put forward as a precautionary step, given the legal ambiguities surrounding Laurent Gbagbo’s eligibility at the time.

The party leadership asserts that these sanctions are crucial for strengthening internal discipline and clearly defining the PPA-CI’s political direction as it prepares for future electoral campaigns.

This congress unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing political realignment in Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling RHDP consistently demonstrates its organizational strength. Through this decisive display of authority, the PPA-CI aims to underscore that Laurent Gbagbo remains the pivotal figure around whom the party’s future trajectory is centered.