Côte d'Ivoire: President Ouattara Calls for Pardon and Calm

On November 17, 2020, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara addressed supporters of the ruling Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP) in Abidjan, urging them to reflect on their behavior during the recent presidential election. The election, which took place on October 31, 2020, was marked by tension and resulted in Ouattara's re-election for a third term. In his address, Ouattara invited his supporters to observe a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives during the election.

Ouattara emphasized that Côte d'Ivoire deserves better and that the country's political class must learn from past behaviors. He also recalled his recent meeting with former President Henri Konan Bédié, which took place on November 11, 2020, at the Hôtel du Golf in Abidjan. During their meeting, Ouattara reportedly reassured Bédié that there would be no transitional government in Côte d'Ivoire, contrary to the opposition's expectations.

The Ivorian President instructed Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko to re-establish dialogue with the PDCI-RDA and FPI opposition parties before their meeting on November 11. Ouattara's comments suggest that his government is committed to maintaining stability and pursuing dialogue with opposition groups. The President's call for calm and pardon is seen as an effort to ease tensions and promote national reconciliation.

The recent presidential election was marked by controversy and violence, with several opposition candidates rejecting the results. Ouattara's re-election for a third term has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that the Constitution limits the President to two terms. However, Ouattara's supporters argue that a constitutional amendment in 2016 allowed him to run for a third term.

In his address to RHDP supporters, Ouattara urged Ivorian citizens to look forward and work towards national development. He emphasized the need for Ivorian leaders to prioritize the country's interests and work together to address pressing challenges. The President's message was seen as a call for unity and cooperation among Ivorian leaders.

The Ivorian government has faced criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties over its handling of the recent election. However, Ouattara's government has maintained that the election was free and fair, and that the results reflect the will of the Ivorian people. The government's efforts to promote national reconciliation and stability are seen as crucial to Côte d'Ivoire's long-term development.

As Côte d'Ivoire moves forward, the international community is watching closely to see how the country will address its challenges and promote stability. The country's economic development and regional influence depend on its ability to maintain peace and stability. President Ouattara's call for pardon and calm is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals.

Key points

• President Ouattara has called for calm and pardon following his re-election for a third term.
• The Ivorian President has urged his supporters to learn from past behaviors and prioritize national development.
• Ouattara's government has faced criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties over its handling of the recent election.