Former Ivorian Leader Gbagbo’s Party Rejects Claims of Joining New Government

Laurent Gbagbo’s African People’s Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) has firmly denied reports suggesting it could join the new government currently being formed, dismissing the claims as deliberate attempts to sow confusion within the opposition.

In an official statement signed by its executive chairman, Sébastien Dano Djédjé, the party condemned what it described as “manipulations” circulating in the wake of the government’s dissolution, insisting it has no intention of participating in the incoming administration.

Côte d’ ivoire’s political landscape has been unsettled since President Alassane Ouattara dissolved the government on January 7, 2026, following the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.

The transition has fueled speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the formation of a new cabinet. Tensions escalated after an interview aired on January 16 on local broadcaster 7info, in which Emmanuel Ackah, chief of staff to former president Laurent Gbagbo, spoke on issues related to national reconciliation.

Some commentators and social media users interpreted his remarks as evidence of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the PPA-CI and the ruling camp.

The party leadership swiftly rejected that interpretation, clarifying that Ackah was speaking strictly in his capacity as head of the Initiative for the Liberation of Prisoners of Conscience (ILPO).

“These remarks are humanitarian and republican in nature,” the statement stressed. “They cannot, under any circumstances, be interpreted as political support, recognition of the current regime, or participation in a government.”

The PPA-CI emphasized that its advocacy for the release of prisoners of conscience is a long-standing commitment to civil peace and human rights, not a political bargaining tool. The party used the statement to restate what it called its “red line”: categorical opposition to President Ouattara’s fourth term, which it continues to consider illegitimate.

“The PPA-CI is not negotiating with any government and will never join a government born of electoral fraud,” Djédjé said, describing the party’s stance as “clear, consistent, and non-negotiable.”

Warning of attempts by “declared or hidden adversaries” to weaken the opposition, the party urged its supporters to remain vigilant against what it views as misinformation designed to undermine internal cohesion.

As consultations continue to form a new government following the departure of ministers elected to parliament, the PPA-CI reaffirmed that it remains a “firm, responsible, and determined” opposition force, focused on defending public freedoms and democratic principles.