The situation in Bondoukou is paradoxical and confusing . As the legislative elections of December 27, 2025 approach, the independent mayor of the "city of a thousand mosques" has launched an act of open protest against President Alassane Ouattara, also president of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), and his party.

The unexpected rise of an independent

Mr. Anzoumanan Ouattara, the current mayor of Bondoukou, was elected as an independent in the September 2023 municipal elections. His election in what was a historical stronghold of the RDR, and later the RHDP, remains difficult to explain . It appears to have been facilitated by a flawed RHDP candidate selection strategy , with the young candidate exploiting ethnic divisions and benefiting from a protest vote by members of the ruling party.

Buoyed by this victory, the mayor displayed a clear ambition: to win all future elections at the expense of the RHDP, capitalizing on the party's post-municipal internal divisions . His immediate objective was to secure both parliamentary seats, before setting his sights on the Regional Council. He publicly and confidently expressed his strategy.

The strategic about-face: Membership without commitment

The situation became more complicated in October 2024. Gilbert Kafana Koné, Chairman of the RHDP's Executive Board, managed to organize a "sacred rally" of party officials in Bondoukou, putting an end to the internal divisions . Faced with a now-united RHDP, the independent candidate, aware that he could not defeat them under these circumstances, made a tactical move : he announced his adherence to the RHDP in his village of Dua Kouamé on November 2, 2024.

Welcomed by Minister of State Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, who sees this gesture as a strengthening of the party in Zanzan, the mayor participates in several RHDP activities.

However, a crucial detail was pointed out by some party officials: the membership remained a mere verbal declaration . The mayor never formalized his activism by obtaining a membership card at party headquarters. Voices were raised at the time, but ignored, to denounce this potential deception .

The RHDP's boost and the affront

Ironically, subsequent events gave the mayor the opportunity to infiltrate the heart of the party apparatus. Although not registered in the party's files and not active in any local branch, he was appointed spokesperson for the people during the RHDP president's campaign visit to Bondoukou on October 16, 2025.

This appointment, to the detriment of respected officials, members of parliament, and regional council presidents, has sparked outrage . The question remains: how could an individual without party affiliation have been granted such an honor at a purely partisan event?

The break and open distrust

The ultimate provocation came during the submission of nomination papers for the party's endorsements for the legislative elections. Twelve party officials, including the mayor and the outgoing members of parliament, submitted their applications. Sensing that the party was preparing to re-elect the incumbents, the mayor preempted the decision.

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, he held a press conference with a threatening and arrogant tone, making shocking statements:

1. "If management doesn't choose me, I'll see what happens ."
2. "I have not signed any pact with the RHDP."
3. "We are in politics, and in politics, everyone is calculating . If the RHDP doesn't suit me, I won't submit to their decision ."

A few days later, he carried out his threat by officially submitting his candidacy to the IEC under the independent label.

"Revolting arrogance"

In response to this action, local dignitaries and notables attempted to persuade him to reverse his decision. One traditional chief expressed his outrage, deploring the young mayor's attitude, who "is defying the chief's will in the name of some kind of ambition," especially after the honor of the presidential visit to Bondoukou.

To top it all off, the mayor recently had billboards plastered all over the city displaying his portrait alongside President Alassane Ouattara . This move is perceived by young members of the RHDP as crossing a red line , a tarnishing of the president's and the party's image .

Mayor Anzoumanan Ouattara is accused of having "taunted" and "deceived" RHDP officials in Bondoukou. His use of the presidential image for his own campaign, even as he challenges the president's official candidates, is considered an act of "outrageous arrogance."

While the mayor's right to run is undeniable, his attitude is considered morally unacceptable and calls for a firm response from the Houphouëtists to preserve the image and authority of President Alassane Ouattara.