Pdci-rda presses for Côte d’Ivoire political dialogue with ouattara government

The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), the principal opposition force in Côte d’Ivoire, has once again urged the opening of political discussions with President Alassane Ouattara’s administration. This renewed appeal aims to address critical issues currently impacting the nation, notably the establishment of a truly independent electoral body and the safe return of PDCI-RDA leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.

This significant call was articulated by Deputy Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, the official spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA, during a media briefing held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters situated in Cocody, eastern Abidjan.

“We are requesting a form of political dialogue with the government to confront the challenges that are undermining our country. We stand ready to engage in any political discussion that will lead to the creation of a new electoral body that is genuinely independent. The PDCI remains highly vigilant and insists that this new institution must operate with complete autonomy,” the PDCI-RDA spokesperson emphasized during his exchange with journalists.

Addressing comments from certain party officials and activists increasingly advocating for a rapprochement between the PDCI-RDA and Alassane Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these individuals do not represent the party’s official position, which is dictated by its president, Tidjane Thiam.

However, he stated unequivocally: “We are not ruling out such a possibility.”

“The PDCI is fundamentally a party of dialogue. Therefore, we harbor no animosity towards anyone,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, Mr. Bredoumy expressed concern over the recent turmoil within Côte d’Ivoire’s vital coffee and cocoa sectors. He also offered an analysis of the country’s National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, deeming certain aspects of it unrealistic.

Regarding the emergence of an internal faction within the PDCI at the beginning of May, known as ”Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité” (HDL), led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy maintained that “the PDCI’s foundational texts do not permit the existence of such internal currents.”

Concerning the conditions for the return of Tidjane Thiam, the PDCI-RDA president, who has been outside Côte d’Ivoire for several months, the party spokesperson indicated that “assurances” are necessary to facilitate his homecoming.

“When Tidjane Thiam faces insults, it is the entire PDCI that is being insulted,” remarked Mr. Bredoumy, who also serves as Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.

The PDCI-RDA spokesperson concluded his conference by asserting his party’s ambition “to once again lead the country.”