Côte d’Ivoire: pdci-rda seeks political dialogue with government

The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), the nation’s leading opposition force, has once again called for comprehensive political discussions with President Alassane Ouattara’s administration. This initiative aims to tackle pressing national concerns, particularly the establishment of a new electoral commission and securing the return of PDCI-RDA leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.

This renewed appeal emerged during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Cocody, East Abidjan. Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, a Member of Parliament and spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA, spearheaded the announcement.

“We advocate for a political dialogue with the government to address the various challenges impacting our nation,” declared Mr. Bredoumy during his interaction with journalists. He further emphasized, “We stand ready to participate in any political discourse that leads to the creation of a truly independent electoral body. The PDCI remains vigilant and insists on the genuine autonomy of this new institution.”

Responding to suggestions from certain party officials and activists advocating for closer ties between the PDCI-RDA and Alassane Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these views do not represent the party’s official position, which aligns with its president, Tidjane Thiam.

Nevertheless, he asserted: “We do not rule out such possibilities. The PDCI is inherently a party of dialogue, and as such, we consider no one an adversary.”

Continuing his remarks, Mr. Bredoumy highlighted the recent difficulties experienced within Côte d’Ivoire’s vital coffee-cocoa sector. He also offered an assessment of the country’s National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, expressing reservations about the feasibility of certain aspects.

Addressing the formation of an internal PDCI movement, “Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité” (HDL), initiated by Valérie Yapo in early May, Mr. Bredoumy stated unequivocally that “the PDCI’s statutes do not permit the existence of internal factions.”

Concerning the conditions for the return of PDCI-RDA President Tidjane Thiam, who has been outside Côte d’Ivoire for several months, the party spokesperson indicated that “assurances” are essential before his homecoming.

“To insult Tidjane Thiam is to insult the entire PDCI,” affirmed Mr. Bredoumy, who also serves as Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.

Concluding his address, the PDCI-RDA spokesperson reiterated the party’s overarching aspiration: “Our ambition is to once again lead the country’s governance.”