Delegates at the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convention in Abidjan have overwhelmingly reaffirmed their support for Laurent Gbagbo. At 80 years old, the former Ivorian president begins a new term at the helm of the party he founded upon his return from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During the first ordinary congress held at the Treichville Cultural Center in Abidjan on May 14, party members re-elected Laurent Gbagbo as PPA-CI president by an overwhelming majority. The event brought together nearly 3,000 delegates, who witnessed the former head of state’s return to the leadership of a political movement established in 2020 following his acquittal at the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

Despite announcing in 2025 his intention to step down from official party duties while remaining politically active, Laurent Gbagbo ultimately accepted the pleas of his supporters to continue leading the PPA-CI. This congress marks the party’s ambition to strengthen its internal organization and revitalize its grassroots structures. PPA-CI leaders also hope this new mandate will facilitate a gradual transition to a new generation of leaders.

Laurent Gbagbo’s re-election underscores the enduring influence of his political legacy in Côte d’Ivoire, nearly a decade after the end of his presidency and years after his legal battles at the ICC.