After a long period of suspense. The decision is finally known. Alassane Ouattara, president of the Ivorian state, will not run in the next presidential election in 2020. "I would like to solemnly announce that I have decided not to run in the presidential election of 31 October 2020 and to transfer power to a younger generation," he said on Thursday (March 5, 2020) in Yamoussoukro in his annual speech. Nation before adding: "Throughout my career, I have always placed special importance on meeting my commitments. As a result, I decided not to run in 2020.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara surprised the Assembly on Thursday (March 5th) to clarify the constitutional changes he had announced two months earlier, announcing his withdrawal from the political sphere. Indeed, the head of state has maintained a mystery around his inauguration at the next presidential election. He had announced in December during his visit to Hambol (Ivory Coast of the north-central) that he would be a candidate if Henri Konan Bédié and Laurent Gbagbo ran because they felt they had the right to stand for re-election because of a change in the Constitution in 2016.
His decision to make changes to the constitution announced on 6 January at the presentation of New Year's greetings to the nation had caused much controversy, particularly on the opposition side, who suspected him of wanting to change the texts in its flavor.
But today, in front of parliamentarians, Alassane Ouattara has renounced his political ambitions. He says he is transferring power to "a young generation" and reiterates his desire to respect "his commitments."
This decision was very welcomed by his colleagues who find in him the example to follow. "It is the expression of a great man, a man of honor. While he has everything to stay in power, he goes away. This is a lesson for all African presidents and former presidents," said Adama Bictogo, executive director of the Rally of Houphouetists (RHDP) for Democracy and Peace, the presidential party.
"We were all caught off guard. We didn't know it would be announced today," said Mamadou Touré, deputy government spokesman. "This is a decision that we have welcomed with great emotion, which poses the challenge to the RHDP of unity, cohesion to win its elections and to perpetuate the work of President Ouattara. He added that
Let us remember that Ivorian politics is about to take on a real crisis. Alassane Ouattara's decision not to run for a third term could ease tensions.
In addition, Alassane Ouattara has been at the helm since May 6, 2011. He succeeds Laurent Gbagbo after winning the elections of 28 November 2010. This election led to protests and a serious post-election crisis. Alassane Ouattara was then re-elected in the first round of the 2015 presidential election with 83.7% of the vote.
www.independantexpress.net
Diane OLOBI