Young people in Ivory Coast frustrated as 83-year-old president seeks fourth term - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum - Placide Konan, a 33-year-old slam poet in Abidjan, is using his performances to speak up against President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term in Saturday’s vote. He tells how daily struggles and rising inequality make life hard for many, even though the country is a major economic player and the world’s top cocoa producer. Poverty sits around 37.5% and over three-quarters of the population are under 35. "People can no longer make ends meet," he says. "You have to be very lucky, or a bit of a magician, to live comfortably," he adds, speaking about the busy port city that also hosted the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Analysts expect the 83-year-old Ouattara to likely win and continue the rule that began in 2011. Several key opposition figures were removed from the ballot - for example, former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified after a court found he had French nationality, a problem for presidential hopefuls under Ivorian law; he denies the move was fair and renounced his French nationality in March. As a result, Ouattara will face a weakened field of challengers, including former commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon and former first lady Simone Gbagbo.
This situation fits a wider pattern across parts of Africa, where long-serving leaders clash with mostly young populations. There are worries about possible violence: roughly 8.7 million people are registered to vote amid memories of unrest around past elections. The ban of prominent opposition figures sparked protests that authorities tried to stop. Hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested and some jailed; public gatherings have been limited and more than 40,000 security personnel deployed. At least three people have died. Critics say legal rules were used to sideline opponents and question the fairness of the candidate list; the president denies targeting rivals.
Observers warn these events weaken stability at a time when Ivory Coast, like some West African neighbours, faces big challenges. Ouattara first took power after the 2010–11 crisis when violence followed disputed results; about 3,000 people died then. He argues he needs another term because of "unprecedented security, economic and monetary" problems and tells young people he wants to help them start businesses, work and be independent. He won a contested third term in 2020 after saying a 2016 constitutional change reset his time in office; rights groups say nearly 100 people died after that vote.
Supporters point to solid economic growth and visible infrastructure projects: the World Bank put 2024 growth at about 6%. Many parts of Abidjan and other regions have new roads and public works, and some say the country looks quite different from a few years ago. Yet experts note those gains haven’t translated into enough jobs for youth and more opportunities are still needed.
Security remains a major concern. Ivory Coast borders Mali and Burkina Faso, where armed groups operate, and the regional security situation is strained. Although the Ivorian military is seen as relatively capable, the country faces pressure from instability spreading southwards. The north is especially exposed to these risks - a reality driven by regional trends rather than only domestic policies.
May Allah grant safety and guidance to the people of Ivory Coast and help bring justice and stability for the youth and the whole nation.
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