End of suspense in Côte d’Ivoire, President Ouattara will not run for third term

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.