A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has held talks with the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA‑CI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, as part of its pre-election engagement ahead of the country’s presidential vote scheduled for 25 October 2025.
The Ecowas mission, headed by former Beninese Foreign Minister Professor Théodore Holo, met senior PPA‑CI officials at Mr Gbagbo’s political office in Cocody Attoban, an upscale district in eastern Abidjan, on Wednesday, 2 July.
Representing Mr Gbagbo at the talks were Koné Katinan, President of the Strategic and Political Committee (CSP); Sébastien Dano Djédjé, Executive President of the PPA‑CI; Ambassador Emmanuel Ackah, Mr Gbagbo’s chief of staff; Me Habiba Touré, his spokesperson; and Ousmane Sy Savané, chair of the party’s communications and events committee.
Both delegations welcomed the dialogue, which marked the beginning of formal political consultations ahead of the election.
The visit falls within the framework of the Ecowas Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and follows directives from regional heads of state to proactively mitigate electoral disputes in West Africa.
Professor Holo was accompanied by a team of around ten delegates, including Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Adjovi Yekpe, Benin’s ambassador to Ecowas and representative of the Committee of Permanent Representatives; and Ms Fanta Cissé, Ecowas Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, who also leads the technical team.
The delegation includes electoral experts from across the region and continues its mission until 5 July.
Earlier this week, on 1 July, the team held a working session with Coulibaly Kuibiert, President of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and other IEC officials at their headquarters in Abidjan.
As Ivory coast prepares for a pivotal vote, Ecowas aims to ensure an inclusive and peaceful electoral process through dialogue with all major political stakeholders.
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