Côte d’Ivoire: laurent gbagbo restructures leadership at ppa-ci

Laurent Gbagbo, president of the Parti des Peuples Africains-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), has reshuffled the party’s leadership by appointing five key figures to strategic positions. Announced on August 10, this reorganization aims to enhance shared responsibility while maintaining Gbagbo’s central role in party governance.

Five key appointments reshuffle PPA-CI leadership

Following his re-election as party president in May 2026, Laurent Gbagbo announced plans to delegate some of his powers. Initially, the plan involved a single deputy, but the final structure includes five leaders entrusted with critical roles within the party.

The newly appointed leaders include Assoa Adou, who becomes first vice-president responsible for upholding the PPA-CI’s political line. Hubert Oulaye takes the position of second vice-president, overseeing party operations and presiding over central committee meetings. Emmanuel Ackah, a former ambassador, is named third vice-president tasked with party mobilization.

Justin Katinan Koné retains his role in supervising the party’s overall strategy, while Sébastien Dano Djédjé is appointed president of the Strategic and Political Council, a body overseeing the party’s actions.

Gbagbo maintains decisive influence

Laurent Gbagbo describes this restructuring as a shift toward a more collegial leadership, emphasizing complementary responsibilities and unified action within the party. However, political analyst Abdourahmane Barry notes that this change primarily involves daily management delegation, with Gbagbo retaining ultimate leadership and governance control.

This reorganization reflects the PPA-CI’s efforts to build a multi-leader structure following Gbagbo’s reappointment as party president. Details regarding coordination mechanisms among the new leaders remain undisclosed.

By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert