Côte d’Ivoire’s Laurent Gbagbo shifts to a collective leadership at PPA-CI

Laurent Gbagbo, president of the Parti des Peuples Africains-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), has appointed five key figures to strategic roles within the party. This restructuring, unveiled on August 10, aims to distribute responsibilities more evenly while keeping the former president at the heart of the party’s decision-making process.

New roles to strengthen party governance

Under this reshuffle, Assoa Adou steps into the role of first vice-president, tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the PPA-CI’s political line. Hubert Oulaye assumes the position of second vice-president, overseeing internal party affairs and presiding over central committee meetings.

Emmanuel Ackah, former ambassador, takes on the third vice-presidency, focusing on party mobilization and engagement. Justin Katinan Koné retains his position as head of the party’s overall policy strategy. Meanwhile, Sébastien Dano Djédjé is appointed president of the newly created Strategic and Political Council, which will supervise the party’s actions.

Collective leadership with Gbagbo at the core

Gbagbo describes this reorganization as a step toward a more collaborative leadership model, emphasizing “shared responsibilities and unified action.” Analysts note, however, that this shift does not equate to a complete overhaul of governance. The new appointees will primarily handle day-to-day party operations, while strategic decisions remain firmly under Gbagbo’s control.

This restructuring follows Gbagbo’s re-election as party president in May 2026. The move reflects an effort to diversify leadership while maintaining the founder’s central role in guiding the PPA-CI’s future direction.