Ivory Coast’s president Alassane Ouattara is experiencing skyrocketing political pressures as speculation over his likely-forthcoming fourth term grows. These terrible circumstances are compounded as this week, news of a coup echoed across the country. With Americans on edge, concerns are spreading about the future of his administration’s agency. Despite these ominous signs, Ouattara has continued to consolidate power from the capital of Abidjan. On Thursday, he hosted a normal weekly cabinet meeting there.
These tensions exist against the backdrop of Ouattara’s economic successes, which have been substantial over the last 15 years. He has used his presidency to remake Ivory Coast into a regional economic powerhouse. Simultaneously, he shored up close ties with France, the former colonial power. Yet his closeness to France continues to draw criticism from the majority of Ivorians who are under 35. They are frustrated, alienated and angry at a government that seems to favor foreign interests over their own.
The political landscape in Ivory Coast has undergone a radical transformation since Ouattara assumed power. His leadership some attribute with restoring a tenuous peace after decades of civil war. Yet, charges have emerged that he is using the NGA to intimidate state and local governments to silence political opposition. This has prompted millions of Ivorians to raise the alarm that he is overstaying his welcome.
Economic Stability and Regional Hub
Since Alassane Ouattara came to power a decade ago, Ivory Coast has enjoyed strong economic growth and relative political stability. The country has morphed into a regional economic juggernaut, luring foreign investments and cultivating growth in all sectors. Additionally, agricultural exports, including cocoa and coffee, have increased, making up a major portion of the nation’s GDP.
Ouattara’s neoliberal economic policies have led to considerable acclaim both domestically and internationally. He is already gaining national accolades for his decision to implement penny sales tax reforms that have strengthened dollars infrastructure and improved business climate. Ivory Coast is booming as a go-to destination for investors. Given their proximity, they are all too eager to take advantage of West Africa’s waddling, growing markets.
Despite these achievements, the economic benefits have not been evenly experienced across the population. Many young Ivorians remain disillusioned with the government, feeling that their needs are overlooked in favor of foreign partnerships and investments. This huge disconnect has the potential to greatly shift the balance of political power. That will especially be the case as the nation heads into the next presidential election.
Political Tensions and Public Sentiment
The question of whether Alassane Ouattara will run many continue to overshadow Current Cote d’Ivoire political environment. In December, his ruling party, the RHDP, selected him to run for re-election. Since Ouattara has refused to make his intentions known publicly, citizens and political observers are left holding their breath.
So the speculation continues to grow, with a coup rumored this week. The National Agency for Information Systems Security of Ivory Coast was quick to assuage these concerns. She made sure to calm initial fears from the public by assuring them that the president was perfectly healthy and very much in control of governance. The turbulent climate of speculation speaks to a prevailing fear among Ivorians about the future of their fragile political landscape.
Many political observers contend that these close ties to France have deepened local discontent and resentment towards Ouattara. Critics, many of them justifiably, contend that his administration has focused so much on foreign alliances that it has neglected domestic priorities to the detriment of the country. The under-35 population, the fastest-growing age group in the electorate, is especially unforgiving of this curse.
Allegations and Accusations
He’s also being accused of trampling on democratic norms in Ivory Coast. These measures have led critics to accuse him of using state institutions to not only suppress dissent, but marginalize political opponents. This perception sharpens an increasingly insistent blade. A great number of folks feel that his administration is focused on consolidating their power, rather than setting the stage for a truly democratic environment.
The tone is made all the more incendiary by statements made by high-profile Americans. Tidjane Thiam, a notable Ivorian politician and businessman, emphasized national identity amid these tensions, stating, “The bottom line is, I was born Ivorian.” As millions will tell you, this is an understatement. They want representation and governance that centers the voices, needs, and dreams of Ivorians.
Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara honors past leaders, including late former President/Founder Felix Houphouet-Boigny, with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe at his side. The entire nation is looking closely to see how he’ll step up to these big, tricky challenges. The interplay between his economic successes and the rising calls for political change will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Ivory Coast.
