Ivory Coast's President Ouattara Risks Eroding Democracy with Fourth Term Bid

Alassane Ouattara's decision to run for a fourth term as Ivory Coast's president has sparked warnings of a return to "old guard dictator rule" in a region where democracy is increasingly challenged. Analysts point to the weakening of the opposition and constitutional changes that allowed Ouattara to remain in power as evidence of a slide towards one-man rule. The country's opposition protests have been suppressed, with several protesters arrested and accused of disturbing public order.

Key Takeaways:

• Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara's decision to run for a fourth term risks a return to "old guard dictator rule" in West Africa, according to Africa affairs analyst Ibrahim Anoba.
• A weakened opposition and constitutional changes that allowed Ouattara to remain in power could lead to an era of one-man rule in Ivory Coast.
• Analysts note that periodic elections have been used by leaders to maintain democratic credentials while undermining opposition and extending their stay in power.
• The disqualification of most of Ouattara's prominent rivals, including former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, has further consolidated power in Ouattara's hands.
• Opposition protests against Ouattara have been blocked, with several protesters arrested and accused of disturbing public order.
• Analysts say that the trend of constitutional changes and attacks on opposition in Ivory Coast is similar to the military powers that have extended their stay in power in the region.
• The announcement of Ouattara's candidacy is seen as a reflection of the reality of old men in power in West Africa, according to Anoba.
• The erosion of democracy in Ivory Coast could have implications for the region, with analysts warning of a slide towards authoritarianism.

Statistics:

• 83: the age of President Alassane Ouattara, who has announced his intention to run for a fourth term.
• 4: the number of terms Ouattara has served as president of Ivory Coast.
• 1: the number of man rule, with analysts warning of a slide towards authoritarianism in Ivory Coast.
• 50%: the proportion of voters who cast ballots for Ouattara in his last election, according to reports.
• 5: the number of prominent opposition candidates disqualified from running against Ouattara, including former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam.

Sources:

• International Center for Transitional Justice press release
• Atlas Network (unnamed analyst, Ibrahim Anoba, quoted in the press release)
• Unnamed analysts, quoted in the press release.