Former Ivory Coast trade minister Jean-Louis Billon has officially declared his intention to lead the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) in the country’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled for October.
His announcement comes just days after the party’s original candidate, former Credit Suisse executive Tidjane Thiam, was disqualified by the electoral commission.
The exclusion of Thiam from the final list of candidates has caused a stir in the West African nation, which is still haunted by memories of past election violence. The 2010 presidential contest spiraled into a civil conflict that claimed the lives of around 3,000 people.
Speaking in Abidjan, Billon criticized the PDCI leadership for its handling of Thiam’s legal eligibility. While he expressed hope for the party’s endorsement, he did not entirely rule out running on a different political ticket. “I am asking for the PDCI’s support,” he said during the interview.
“It’s a shame that (PDCI) President Thiam was eliminated, but it was the result of the lack of preparation of certain party officials that led to his elimination. That’s why you always have to have several strings to your bow, especially when you’re in politics.”
Jean-Louis Billon
The country’s electoral commission last week released the definitive list of approved candidates. Thiam’s name was missing, prompting him to condemn the move as an “abandonment of democracy.” The main point of contention was his nationality status at the time of his registration.
According to Ivorian law, presidential candidates must hold only Ivorian citizenship. Thiam had dual French-Ivorian nationality until February, when he formally renounced his French citizenship to comply with electoral regulations. Nevertheless, a local court ruled in April that he was still a French national at the time he registered, leading to his disqualification. Thiam, however, vowed to “fight on and run anyway.”
Fears Resurface Over Identity Politics
Thiam’s rejection has reignited debate over the definition of Ivorian identity — an issue that has historically fueled political unrest in the country. Concerns are now mounting that the controversy may spark renewed tensions as the election approaches.
The ruling echoes past controversies, including that of current President Alassane Ouattara. Before winning in 2010, Ouattara faced a prolonged battle over accusations of foreign lineage, which had barred him from contesting earlier elections.
President Ouattara, now 83, has not confirmed whether he intends to seek another term this year.
Billon, who has served as trade minister and has long been a prominent figure in Ivorian politics, stated that one of his key legislative goals would be to amend the nationality law. “You have thousands of Ivorians who live abroad, who have made their lives abroad, and who end up having dual nationality,” he said.
Beyond legal reforms, Billon laid out his vision for the country, promising to downsize the civil service, crack down on corruption, encourage private investment, and relocate more government operations to the political capital, Yamoussoukro.
The former minister also made clear his belief that a generational shift is necessary in Ivorian politics. “Ivory Coast will change. I think our elders have had their day,” he remarked.
As the PDCI weighs its next move, Billon’s declaration signals a potential shift in the opposition’s strategy amid growing uncertainty and political friction ahead of the October vote.
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