More Succession Questions After Ouattara's Re-Election
There are concerns about who the likely successor of President Alassane Ouattara might be as he begins his fourth term in office following the October 25 presidential election. The 83-year-old secured nearly 90% of the votes after Ivorian courts excluded his two main rivals.
Amid lingering threats of protests and unrest against the election results, some have begun to ask who could succeed the aging president if he becomes sick or worse. The situation is likened to the case of the country's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who delayed naming his successor until his death, which created instability in the country.
In 2020, Ouattara picked his close ally, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, to replace him, but Gon Coulibaly died three months before the election that year, forcing a rethink. The president's supporters have insisted he has a half-dozen potential successors in mind, but that "no one ticks all the boxes".
InFocus
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Ahead of polls on 25 October, concern has been raised about false narratives spreading on social media, including AI-generated content. Some claim violence at protests, others unfair campaigning.
Experts have warned that misinformation and disinformation on social media, including AI-generated content, are spreading rumors of violence and unfair campaigning, potentially inflaming tensions in a country with a
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The country's incumbent leader, 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara, has secured another term, extending his rule to nearly two decades.
Former President Laurent Gbagbo was barred from contesting due to a criminal conviction, while ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for holding French citizenship.
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Ouattara's campaign poster (file photo)
