Laurent Gbagbo secures another term as PPA-CI leader amid internal party shake-up

In a significant development for Ivorian opposition politics, the African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened its inaugural ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This pivotal gathering saw former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo unanimously reinstated as the party’s leader, alongside the implementation of stringent disciplinary measures against several key figures and members.

At 81 years of age, Laurent Gbagbo received overwhelming support, confirmed by acclamation from nearly 3,000 congress delegates. This decision stemmed from a recommendation by the party’s Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical leader to continue guiding the political activities of the PPA-CI, a party established in October 2021.

Through this reaffirmation of leadership, the PPA-CI signals its firm intent to solidify its standing within the Ivorian opposition landscape, particularly as the nation looks towards upcoming electoral contests. This move is crucial for the party’s strategic positioning in West Africa Sahel politics today.

However, the congress was also marked by an extensive internal reorganization drive. A number of party officials faced sanctions for failing to adhere to directives issued during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.

Notably, three senior executives were expelled from the party: Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine.

Furthermore, 25 activists received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Among those suspended for an 18-month period were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand.

These disciplinary actions, according to party insiders, were a direct consequence of certain cadres backing dissident candidacies, despite explicit boycott instructions from the PPA-CI leadership during previous polls. This reflects a broader trend of internal party dynamics seen across Sahel politics today.

The situation involving Awa Domelo drew particular attention, as her candidacy had previously been put forward as a precautionary measure due to legal uncertainties surrounding Laurent Gbagbo’s eligibility at the time.

For the party’s leadership, this series of sanctions is designed to reinforce internal discipline and clearly define the PPA-CI’s political direction as it prepares for future electoral challenges.

This congress unfolds within a period of political realignment in Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling RHDP continues to demonstrate its organizational might. By asserting its authority, the PPA-CI aims to underscore that Laurent Gbagbo remains the central figure around whom the party’s future trajectory is shaped, a key piece of Sahel Express news for regional observers.