Ivorian opposition calls for dialogue with government on key national issues

The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), Côte d’Ivoire’s leading opposition party, has once again urged for the initiation of a political dialogue with the administration of President Alassane Ouattara. The party aims to address pressing national concerns, specifically focusing on the establishment of a new electoral body and facilitating the return of PDCI-RDA leader Cheick Tidjane Thiam to Côte d’Ivoire.

This renewed appeal was articulated by Deputy Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, who serves as the spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA. He made these remarks during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Cocody, located in eastern Abidjan.

“We are advocating for a structured political dialogue with the government to confront the challenges currently facing our nation. We stand ready to engage in any political discussion that leads to the creation of a new electoral institution, one that is truly independent,” the PDCI-RDA spokesperson stated during his interaction with the media. He emphasized, “The PDCI remains highly vigilant and insists that this new body must operate with genuine autonomy.”

Responding to comments from certain party officials and activists who have increasingly called for a rapprochement between the PDCI-RDA and President Ouattara’s ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these sentiments do not represent the official stance of the party, which is articulated by its president, Tidjane Thiam.

Nonetheless, he affirmed: “We do not dismiss this possibility.”

“The PDCI is fundamentally a party of dialogue. Therefore, we consider no one an adversary,” he asserted.

Furthermore, Mr. Bredoumy expressed concern over the recent crisis impacting Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee and cocoa sectors. He also presented an analysis of the country’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, critiquing certain aspects as unrealistic.

Regarding the formation in early May of an internal PDCI faction known as ”Heirs for Democracy and Legality” (HDL), led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy maintained that “the PDCI’s statutes do not permit the existence of 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 for his homecoming.

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

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