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 pivotal political gathering saw the former Ivorian president, Laurent Gbagbo, reconfirmed at the helm of the party, alongside the implementation of significant disciplinary measures targeting several senior officials and members.
At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo received an overwhelming acclamation from nearly 3,000 delegates, affirming his continued leadership. This mandate followed a recommendation from the party’s Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical figure to maintain his direction of the PPA-CI’s political endeavors, a party established in October 2021.
Through this re-election, the party unequivocally demonstrates its commitment to fortifying its standing within the Ivorian opposition, particularly as it looks ahead to future electoral challenges.
Beyond the leadership confirmation, the congress also initiated a comprehensive internal restructuring. Numerous party officials faced sanctions for failing to adhere to directives issued during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.
Notably, three key party cadres were expelled: Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine.
Furthermore, 25 members received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Among those suspended for the longer 18-month period were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand.
These punitive measures are directly linked to the support some officials extended to dissident candidacies, contravening the boycott instructions issued by the PPA-CI leadership during previous electoral contests.
The situation involving Awa Domelo garnered particular attention. Her candidacy had previously been put forward as a precautionary step, given the legal ambiguities surrounding Laurent Gbagbo’s eligibility at the time.
The party’s leadership views this comprehensive series of sanctions as essential for strengthening internal discipline and clearly defining the PPA-CI’s political trajectory as it prepares for upcoming electoral battles.
This significant congress unfolds amidst a period of political realignment across Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling RHDP consistently showcases its organizational prowess. Through this decisive display of authority, the PPA-CI aims to reaffirm Laurent Gbagbo as the indispensable central figure around whom the party’s future is firmly anchored.