The United Nations Human Rights Committee has urged the Ivorian government to take all necessary measures to ensure that opposition leader Tidjane Thiam can fully exercise his political rights.
The statement follows a formal complaint over Mr. Thiam’s removal from the country’s electoral roll ahead of the 2025 presidential elections.
“Following the analysis of our request, and after examining the arguments presented by Côte d’Ivoire, the United Nations Human Rights Committee informs us today that it has invited the State to take all necessary measures to ensure that Mr. Cheick Tidjane Thiam can exercise his political rights under Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Mathias Chichportich, Thiam’s lawyer.
Article 25 of the Covenant enshrines key democratic rights, including the right to vote, to stand for election, and to access public office on equal terms. The UN body emphasized that the Ivorian state must respect these obligations and allow Mr. Thiam to participate in the upcoming election.
In a firm statement, Chichportich added, “The leaders of Côte d’Ivoire are now facing their responsibilities. Their credibility in the concert of Nations is at stake.”
The Committee clarified that while it declined Thiam’s request for interim measures—temporary relief while the case is being reviewed—it strongly encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to act to protect his political rights in the meantime.
Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), renounced his French citizenship on March 19, 2025. He had previously acquired French nationality in 1987. However, under Article 48 of the Ivorian Nationality Code, acquiring a foreign nationality results in the loss of Ivorian citizenship.
Based on this law, the Ivorian judiciary ruled that Thiam was ineligible to remain on the electoral roll, stating that when he registered, he had not yet renounced his allegiance to France.
The UN’s latest intervention adds significant international pressure on Ivorian authorities ahead of a highly anticipated presidential vote.
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