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In a dramatic twist just months ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election, Diarra Bilali, leader of the Democratic Movement for Renewal (MDR), has formally withdrawn his candidacy and pledged full support to incumbent President Alassane Ouattara.
The announcement came Tuesday during a press briefing in Abidjan, only hours after President Ouattara confirmed he would seek re-election in the October 2025 polls. Bilali, a rising political figure and one of the youngest candidates in the race, said his decision was guided by a desire to safeguard national stability.
“After a deep reflection, I have decided not to pursue my candidacy and to support President Alassane Ouattara.
He represents, in my view, the stability, experience, and continuity our country needs,” Bilali declared in front of his supporters and gathered media.
The unexpected move is seen as a major endorsement for Ouattara’s bid, signaling a potential consolidation of support within certain opposition circles.
Bilali’s MDR party, although relatively new, had been building momentum among young voters and reform-minded citizens.
Political analysts say the timing of Bilali’s withdrawal—just hours after the president’s formal candidacy declaration—underscores a calculated effort to influence the political narrative and perhaps position himself closer to the ruling coalition.
The 2025 election comes at a crucial time for Côte d’Ivoire, a nation navigating economic reforms and regional security concerns. With Ouattara seeking another term, the race is expected to test the durability of Ivorian democracy and the unity of its political class.
Bilali’s endorsement may shift the electoral landscape, but questions remain about whether other opposition figures will follow suit—or dig in deeper for a contested race ahead.
