With the 2025 elections approaching, tensions are rising within the African People's Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI). Laurent Gbagbo, determined to restore authority within his political party, used the latest meeting of the Central Committee to condemn acts of indiscipline and announce a wave of sanctions.

A party line flouted

The main point of contention lies in the failure to respect the boycott order for the recent elections. While the leadership had decided against participation, several leading figures chose to disregard this decision.

"We will have to resolve these problems of internal rebellion," the former head of state insisted.

As a result, several officials have already been dismissed from their executive positions, pending the final resolutions to be taken at the ordinary congress on May 14 and 15 .

Executives who embrace their dissent

Among the individuals targeted by the internal disciplinary process are some prominent names:

1. Ahoua Don Mello
2. Stéphane Kipré
3. Prince Arthur Dally
4. Blaise Lasme

Summoned before the Disciplinary Council, these officials are not keeping a low profile. Ahoua Don Mello and his allies justify their participation in the elections by their desire to avoid the political marginalization of the PPA-CI following Laurent Gbagbo's removal from the electoral list. They claim to have acted "with full responsibility and without regret."

A survival strategy vs. a boycott strategy

For his part, Stéphane Kipré referred to "persistent dysfunctions" in the party's current strategy. For these "rebels," participating in the legislative elections of December 27, 2025, was a necessity to issue a "serious political warning" to a leadership they sometimes consider disconnected from the realities on the ground.

The stakes of the next congress will therefore be twofold for Laurent Gbagbo: to punish as an example in order to maintain cohesion, while avoiding an implosion that would weaken the party before the big event of 2025.