In the midst of campaigning for the October 2025 presidential election, Ahoua Don Mello stands out with a resolutely sovereignist discourse. The civil engineer, former Minister of Equipment and Sanitation under Laurent Gbagbo, is running as an independent candidate , convinced that this position will allow him to unite beyond partisan divisions.

"Being an independent candidate is the best way to move from a multi-party system to a true democracy," he said in an interview with BBC News Africa .

An independent candidacy for national unity

At 66, Ahoua Don Mello intends to embody a new political momentum based on competence and cohesion. According to him, political independence does not exclude collaboration:

"Democracy is built as a team. We must seek compatible partners to raise awareness and mobilize voters. One of the greatest adversaries of an election is abstention," he emphasizes.

Despite his departure from the African Peoples' Party - Côte d'Ivoire (PPACI) , the candidate maintains ties and support from this party. He also points out that in the last local elections, independent candidates won more seats than the opposition parties combined.

An economic vision focused on sovereignty and industrialization

The heart of Don Mello's program is based on one ambition: to transform the Ivorian economy . He advocates a true industrial revolution to absorb young people and create sustainable jobs.

"Our priority is to transform the agricultural economy into an industrial economy capable of providing formal employment and building a social security system for all," he said.

But beyond production, he defends a global vision: that of a sovereign Ivory Coast, free to make its own choices.

economic, monetary and security .

"As long as we don't have a sovereign currency, our foreign currency reserves don't belong to us. Development begins with monetary and security sovereignty," he insists.

Support for a rethought African defense

Faced with rising tensions in the sub-region, particularly in border areas, Don Mello advocates enhanced cooperation between African states . He cites the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA) as an example, which he considers to be committed to the path to sovereignty.

"The only way to deal with jihadism is to rethink our sub-regional defense," he says.

Amnesty and reconciliation as first measures

If he reaches the highest office, his first decision would be the adoption of a general amnesty law , intended to calm the political climate and turn the page on tensions inherited from past crises.

"This law will put an end to the excesses of multiparty politics and open a new democratic era," promises the candidate.

It also provides for the establishment of a Council of Elders responsible for developing, by consensus, the rules for a sustainable and peaceful democracy.