Jean-Louis Billon, the influential businessman and CEO of the agro-industrial giant SIFCA Group, is making waves in Ivory Coast’s political scene with his ambitious bid for the presidency.
As the country approaches its 2025 presidential election, Billon, known for his extensive leadership in business and politics, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative to the country’s traditional political elite.
At 61 years old, Billon is the youngest candidate in the race and is aiming to leverage his business acumen and political experience to bring about change in Ivory Coast.
He first signaled his presidential ambitions before the death of his political mentor, former President Henri Konan Bédié, in 2023.
Billon had hoped to succeed Bédié as the leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), but after Bédié’s passing, the party elected former Crédit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam as its new leader.
However, Billon has made it clear that he will not abandon his presidential aspirations, even in the face of internal party conflicts.
In late 2023, Billon publicly denounced the conditions surrounding Thiam’s election to the PDCI leadership, citing concerns about Thiam’s French nationality and its potential impact on his eligibility for the presidency. Billon’s legal challenge to Thiam’s position sparked tensions within the PDCI, leading to further political friction.
Despite the obstacles, Billon remains undeterred. He officially launched his presidential candidacy on October 25, 2024, exactly one year ahead of the election, from the northern town of Dabakala.
In his announcement, Billon criticized the way Thiam ascended to the party leadership and underscored his own readiness to lead the nation.
Billon’s campaign is built around the concept of economic sovereignty and a commitment to serving the people of Ivory Coast. He has stated that his vision for the country includes tackling corruption, improving civil servant salaries, and reforming the housing sector.
“Governing is about serving the people,” Billon declared, adding that he would put “Ivory Coast first” and eliminate reserved markets for elites.
Billon’s platform has resonated with a growing number of Ivorians, especially among the youth and those frustrated with the political establishment.
However, his defection from the PDCI has not gone unnoticed.
The PDCI has officially distanced itself from his candidacy, with spokesperson Dr. Bredoumy Soumaila declaring that the party could not support Billon’s bid for the presidency due to his ongoing challenges to Thiam’s leadership.
Despite this, Billon has forged ahead with his new political movement, the Democratic Congress (CODE), which he describes as a coalition of citizens, political, and social forces united by a single goal: to put power back in the hands of the people.
His campaign director, Landry Sery, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the movement’s commitment to economic independence and national development.
As Ivory Coast prepares for its upcoming presidential election, Jean-Louis Billon’s entry into the race promises to shake up the political landscape.
His ambitious vision for the country, along with his strong business credentials, could make him a formidable challenger in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
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