The PDCI is holding its 8th Extraordinary Congress in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital. This congress comes after a political-legal showdown. Originally scheduled last Saturday, the congress was suspended at the last minute by the judiciary following a complaint filed by two activists contesting “irregularities” in the organization. Yesterday, during a hearing at the Abidjan High Court, the two activists finally withdrew their complaint.
This congress aims to elect a new president to succeed Henri Konan Bédié, who passed away on August 1st. In total, nearly 6,300 congress members are called to vote. They have the choice between two candidates: Tidjane Thiam and Jean-Marc Yacé, both in their sixties.
Tidjane Thiam promises to “make PDCI more modern, more attractive, and more effective,” in his words. The former head of Credit Suisse wants to “infuse new momentum” into PDCI by introducing collective management. His goal is to lead the party to victory in the 2025 presidential election.
Tidjane Thiam enjoys several supports, including Noël Akossi Bendjo, the charismatic vice-president of the party, who withdrew in his favor. In addition, he has the support of 47 deputies who, beforehand, defended his program to congress members across the country.