The African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened its inaugural ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This significant political gathering witnessed the re-election of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo to the party’s leadership, alongside the implementation of disciplinary sanctions against several key officials and activists.
At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo received an overwhelming mandate, re-elected by acclamation before an assembly of nearly 3,000 delegates. This endorsement followed a clear recommendation from the party’s Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical leader to continue guiding the political endeavors of the PPA-CI, a party established in October 2021.
With this re-affirmation of leadership, the party unequivocally signals its ambition to solidify its standing within the Ivorian opposition landscape, particularly as it looks ahead to forthcoming electoral challenges.
Beyond the leadership vote, the congress also initiated a comprehensive internal restructuring. Numerous party officials faced disciplinary action for failing to adhere to directives issued during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.
Specifically, three senior party members were expelled: Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine.
Additionally, twenty-five activists received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Notable among those suspended for the full 18-month period were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand.
These sanctions stemmed from the support provided by certain officials to dissident candidacies, directly contravening the boycott instructions issued by the PPA-CI leadership during previous electoral contests.
The situation involving Awa Domelo drew particular scrutiny. Her candidacy had initially been put forward as a precautionary measure, given the legal ambiguities surrounding Laurent Gbagbo’s eligibility at the time.
The party’s leadership asserts that this series of punitive actions is designed to reinforce internal discipline and clearly define the PPA-CI’s political direction as it prepares for future electoral battles.
This congress unfolds amidst a period of political realignment in Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling RHDP continues to demonstrate its organizational strength. Through this decisive display of authority, the PPA-CI aims to underscore that Laurent Gbagbo remains the pivotal figure around whom the party’s future is firmly anchored.
