Yamoussoukro — Earlier this year, Laurent Gbagbo hinted at delegating some of his authority to a single figure. Instead, the Ivorian leader has opted for a broader approach, entrusting five seasoned PPA-CI members with key responsibilities.

The reshuffle places Assoa Adou in the role of first vice-president, with a mandate to uphold the party’s ideological principles and internal coherence.

Hubert Oulaye takes on the position of second vice-president, overseeing party operations and presiding over central committee meetings, ensuring smooth administrative functioning.

Former ambassador Emmanuel Ackah is named third vice-president, tasked with energizing the party’s grassroots activities and membership engagement.

Justin Katinan Koné retains his portfolio in charge of the party’s overarching political strategy and policy direction.

Sébastien Dano Djédjé steps into the newly created role of strategic policy council chair, responsible for aligning the party’s long-term vision with its day-to-day operations.

Speaking on the restructuring, Gbagbo described the move as a shift toward a more collegial leadership model, emphasizing shared responsibility and unified action as its core pillars.

Political analyst Abdourahmane Barry offers a more cautious interpretation, noting that while the appointments reflect a commitment to collective governance, the ultimate authority and decision-making power remain firmly in Gbagbo’s hands. In Barry’s view, the new roles primarily address routine party management while preserving the leader’s central role in shaping the PPA-CI’s direction.