On Tuesday, April 22, the Abidjan Court of First Instance ruled against Tidjane Thiam, blocking him from contesting in Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming presidential elections, where he had emerged as a leading opposition figure.
Tidjane Thiam currently chairs the Board of Rwanda Finance Ltd, the institution managing the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC).
He had been endorsed by the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), where he serves as a top executive, to represent the party in the presidential polls scheduled for October this year.
The court cited his loss of Ivorian citizenship as the primary reason for disqualifying him — noting that Thiam, a renowned banker, acquired French nationality back in 1987.
Reacting to the decision, Thiam harshly condemned the ruling, describing it as “a blow to democracy, denying millions of voters their voice.”
He added, “It’s no surprise this verdict comes as our support base continues to grow.”
Thiam specifically criticized the ruling RHDP party, in power for the last 15 years, for its apparent fear of genuine competition at the ballot box.
“They want to cling to power instead of facing the will of the people,” he asserted.
His disqualification adds to a growing list of major opposition candidates sidelined from the race, including former President Laurent Gbagbo.
Meanwhile, although the ruling RHDP party has yet to name its candidate, speculation suggests President Alassane Ouattara may seek another term.
