Laurent Gbagbo remains PPA-CI president after landmark congress

The Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) concluded its inaugural ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Treichville Cultural Centre in Abidjan. The event, which drew nearly 3,000 delegates, marked a pivotal moment for the opposition party as it reaffirmed Laurent Gbagbo’s leadership while enforcing internal disciplinary measures against multiple party figures.

Laurent Gbagbo re-elected by acclamation

At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo was unanimously re-elected as president of the PPA-CI, following a recommendation from the party’s Central Committee. The decision underscores the party’s confidence in Gbagbo’s ability to guide its political strategy ahead of upcoming elections. Founded in October 2021, the PPA-CI has positioned itself as a key player in Ivory Coast’s opposition landscape.

Internal restructuring and disciplinary action

The congress also served as a platform for internal reforms, with several party officials facing consequences for failing to adhere to directives during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections. Three senior members—Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine—were expelled from the party, while 25 activists received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Among those suspended were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand, who faced the maximum 18-month suspension.

The disciplinary actions stem from allegations that certain cadres supported dissident candidacies despite the party’s official boycott stance. The case of Awa Domelo drew particular attention, as her candidacy was initially proposed as a contingency measure amid legal uncertainties surrounding Gbagbo’s eligibility.

Strategic positioning ahead of elections

The PPA-CI’s leadership emphasized that these measures were designed to reinforce internal discipline and clarify the party’s political direction in anticipation of future electoral battles. The congress took place against the backdrop of significant political realignment in Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) continues to demonstrate organizational strength. By reaffirming Gbagbo’s leadership, the PPA-CI seeks to reinforce its identity as the central hub of opposition politics in the country.