Ivory Coast: President Alassane Ouattara candidate for a third term

Alassane Ouattara will ultimately be a candidate for a third term at the head of Côte d'Ivoire. The Ivorian president formalized his candidacy, Thursday August 6, citing a "case of force majeure" and a "civic duty", after the death of his Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who was to be the party's candidate.

"Given the importance that I give to my commitments and to the word given, this decision represents a real sacrifice for me, which I fully assume, out of love for my country," he declared.

Considering the importance I attach to my commitments and to the word given, this decision represents a real sacrifice for me, which I fully assume, out of love for my country. pic.twitter.com/uENxjl4iT5

In March, Alassane Ouattara, who ends his second term at 76, had nevertheless declared that he wanted to "make way for young people" in the next presidential election on 31 October. Before inducting its Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly as candidate of the ruling party, the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la democratie et la paix (RHDP).

But the unexpected death of the latter at the age of 61 from a heart attack, on July 8, upset this scenario which appeared to be well oiled, the RHDP now having to find a new candidate, three months before the ballot. As soon as the Prime Minister's funeral was over, several RHDP leaders had taken a public stand in favor of Alassane Ouattara's candidacy for a third term.

With AFP

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