President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire has put an end to months of suspense and speculation Thursday when he announced that he will not seek a third term at the helm of his country.
“I would like to solemnly announce that I will not be a candidate in the October 31, 2020 presidential election and I will transfer power to the younger generation,” Ouattara said in a speech to Congress.
Ouattara, first elected in 2010 and then re-elected in 2015, had kept Ivorians guessing over his political plans. Last year he hinted that he could run again if his traditional rivals were candidates.
October’s election is a major challenge for the country after its 2010-2011 ballot ended in violence between political rivals.
In 2010-11, the then-president, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to concede his defeat in the elections and to step down. The ensuing standoff with Ouattara triggered violent street clashes that killed 3,000 people.
