In the city of Bouaké, Ivory Coast celebrated its 65th independence anniversary with a military parade, just days after President Alassane Ouattara announced he would seek a fourth term in October.
The president rode in a military vehicle at the start of the ceremony, which was closed to the public but included troops from France, the United States, and Morocco—signaling the country’s ongoing security ties with Western powers, even as many neighboring states cut such alliances.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Ivory Coast has remained one of its closest partners in West Africa. That relationship, however, has been a source of criticism from leaders in the Sahel, where anti-French sentiment has been rising.
Ouattara’s decision to run again follows a history of controversial political changes. He removed presidential term limits in 2016, secured a third term in 2020 after initially promising to step aside, and reversed course following the death of his chosen successor.
The race’s most prominent challenger, Tidjane Thiam, has been barred from running due to laws prohibiting dual nationals from standing for president—a restriction that applied because he held French citizenship when he declared his candidacy. His supporters had planned a protest last weekend in Abidjan but postponed it after discussions with local authorities, rescheduling it for this Saturday.
