The Ivorian political landscape has taken an unexpected turn, as Simone Gbagbo, former First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, has made a surprising request to her husband, Laurent Gbagbo. She has publicly declared that if she leads in the polls ahead of the 2025 presidential election, she will ask Laurent Gbagbo to withdraw from the race. This bold move could significantly reshape Ivorian politics.
To understand this dynamic, it’s essential to revisit the political history of the Gbagbo family, which has been deeply intertwined with the country’s democratic struggles.
The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and Laurent Gbagbo
Laurent Gbagbo, a towering figure in Ivorian politics, is the founder of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI). Established in 1982, the party positioned itself as a champion of democracy and freedom against the regime of Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Laurent Gbagbo, a former teacher and historian, launched his political career as an opponent to the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), which had monopolized the country’s political scene since independence in 1960.
The FPI became a major political force in the early 1990s when Côte d’Ivoire adopted multiparty politics. In 2000, after a long political struggle and a difficult transitional period, Laurent Gbagbo ascended to the presidency. However, his presidency was marked by the 2002-2011 political-military crisis, culminating in his ousting in 2011 following a civil war that claimed many lives.
Since his release by the International Criminal Court in 2019, Laurent Gbagbo has returned to the political arena with a new party, the African Peoples’ Party Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), founded in 2021. The party aims to renew the fight for African people’s rights and restore Gbagbo’s place in Ivorian politics.
Generations Capable Movement (MGC) and Simone Gbagbo
Simone Gbagbo has charted a parallel, yet distinct, political path. A long-time influential member of the FPI, she founded her own party in 2021: the Generations Capable Movement (MGC). This party seeks to bring about political renewal, with a focus on reconciling Ivorians and presenting a new generation of leadership to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Simone Gbagbo, having been a prominent figure in Ivorian politics alongside her husband for decades, is seen as an experienced and ambitious politician. With the MGC, she aims to position herself as a credible candidate and rally broad electoral support.
The Gbagbo Political Dilemma
Simone Gbagbo’s announcement that she might ask her husband to step aside in her favor if she leads in the polls for the 2025 presidential election represents an unprecedented development in Ivorian politics. This raises several questions: Would Laurent Gbagbo, who enjoys considerable popularity, agree to withdraw and allow Simone Gbagbo to take the lead? Could this scenario cause divisions within their shared voter base?
From a strategic standpoint, Simone Gbagbo seems prepared to take control of the national political stage and assert her independence. Her statement can be seen as an attempt to leverage the growing momentum for female leadership in Côte d’Ivoire, while relying on the strength of her movement, the MGC, to position herself as a serious alternative.
In the coming months, the competition between these two major political figures, once united in their common struggle, could redefine the 2025 presidential campaign. The alliances, campaign strategies, and electoral bases will be critical in determining which of the two; Simone or Laurent Gbagbo will rise to political power in Côte d’Ivoire.
In any case, this unprecedented request is sure to ignite political debates in Côte d’Ivoire, leaving observers eagerly awaiting the next developments.
