Côte d’ivoire: pdci-rda pushes for political dialogue with ouattara government

The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), recognized as the primary opposition force in the nation, has once again urged the Alassane Ouattara administration to initiate a comprehensive political dialogue. The party emphasizes the necessity of these discussions to address pressing national concerns, particularly focusing on the establishment of a new electoral framework and securing the return of PDCI-RDA leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.

This renewed call for engagement was articulated by Deputy Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, who serves as the spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA. He delivered this statement during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters located in Cocody, eastern Abidjan.

“We are advocating for a form of political dialogue with the government to confront the issues currently impacting our country. The PDCI-RDA is prepared to participate in any political dialogue aimed at establishing a truly independent electoral body,” stated the party’s spokesperson during his interaction with journalists. He underscored that “the PDCI remains highly vigilant and insists that this new body must operate with genuine autonomy.”

Addressing remarks made by certain party officials and activists increasingly advocating for a closer alignment between the PDCI-RDA and Alassane Ouattara’s RHDP, Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these views do not represent the official party stance, which aligns with that of its president, Tidjane Thiam.

Nonetheless, he affirmed, “we do not rule out such possibilities.”

He further elaborated, “The PDCI is a party committed to dialogue; therefore, we consider no one an adversary.”

Continuing his address, Mr. Bredoumy expressed concern over the recent crisis affecting Côte d’Ivoire’s vital coffee-cocoa sector. He also offered an analysis of the country’s National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, deeming certain aspects of it unrealistic.

Regarding the emergence of an internal faction within the PDCI earlier in May, known as ‘Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité’ (HDL) led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy asserted that “the PDCI’s foundational texts do not permit the existence of such internal factions.”

Concerning the conditions for the return of Tidjane Thiam, the PDCI-RDA president, who has been outside Côte d’Ivoire for several months, the party spokesperson indicated that “assurances” are necessary to facilitate his homecoming.

“When Tidjane Thiam is subjected to insults, it is the entire PDCI that is insulted,” remarked Mr. Bredoumy, who also holds the position of Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.

The PDCI-RDA spokesperson concluded his press conference by reaffirming his party’s overarching ambition: “to once again lead the country.”