Meeting in congress in Abidjan on May 14 and 15, 2026, the African People's Party–Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) took a decisive step by adopting a motion of support for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). By demonstrating its solidarity with the military transitions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Ivorian opposition party reaffirmed its Pan-Africanist roots and formalized a complete break with official Abidjan diplomacy.

A Pan-Africanist Plebiscite at the Palace of Culture

It was before an audience of approximately 3,000 enthusiastic delegates, gathered at the Palace of Culture in Treichville, that the motion was passed by acclamation at the close of the party's first ordinary congress. Read by the session's chairman, Aka Emmanuel, the text unequivocally states that "Africa's salvation lies in sovereignty and Pan-Africanism," encouraging Sahelian leaders to stay the course.

This approach is unprecedented for an Ivorian political party of such magnitude, while Ivory Coast remains one of the regional pillars of the hard line against the juntas.

A direct challenge to Alassane Ouattara's policies

By taking sides with the AES, the PPA-CI positions itself in direct opposition to the government of Alassane Ouattara. Since 2023, Ivorian diplomacy has aligned itself with the ECOWAS economic and political sanctions against Sahelian regimes, fueling persistent bilateral tensions, particularly on migration and security issues.

The key takeaway: This positioning of the PPA-CI illustrates the growing popularity of sovereignist theses and criticism of "Françafrique" within the opposition in Francophone West Africa, even in countries historically allied with Western powers.

Internal discipline and keeping Gbagbo in charge

Beyond international issues, this congress allowed the party to finalize its strategy for the years to come:

1. The return of Laurent Gbagbo: Despite previous statements in which he hinted at a withdrawal from active political life, the former Ivorian president has been reinstated as head of the party.
2. Regaining control of discipline: The leadership took advantage of the event to sanction several executives who had presented independent candidacies in recent elections without the party's approval.

A clear signal of centralisation and rigor as the next elections approach, starting with the municipal elections of 2028.