Ivory Coast – FPI reunification: Sangaré calls it a “sham” and rejects the initiative

The initiative, presented on December 3, 2025 by a group of party officials at a press conference in Cocody, is far from consensual. One of its main opponents is Issiaka Sangaré, former secretary general of the FPI, who spoke out the next day, Thursday, December 4, in Abidjan.

According to him, this project in no way stems from a decision of his faction’s strategic committee. “The announced reunification congress is not an initiative of the Democracy and Values Faction. We do not feel concerned at all,” he said, surrounded by several collaborators.

The organizers of the conference, including Diabaté Beh and Professor Dago Godé Pierre, had presented this congress as a gathering intended to revitalize the party. But Sangaré asserts that this stance does not bind the movement he leads. “Their meeting received no mandate. They have no authority to make such decisions”, he denounced, calling the move de “a masquerade” and “a burlesque comedy”.

He specifies that the strategic committee of his faction has about a dozen members, of whom only three have dissociated themselves. “All the others remain committed. The regional delegates have reaffirmed their adherence to our line”, he assures. The departure of these three officials even appears, according to him, as an internal “clarification”: “They can join Mr. Affi N’Guessan if they wish. We continue our mission.”

Asked about possible participation in a future congress, Issiaka Sangaré cuts it short: “We are not the ones asking for it. The question of the congress hasn’t even been addressed. After the electoral deadlines, we will define our perspectives.”

He finally reaffirmed his faction’s position vis-à-vis the RHDP, an issue that had already sparked tensions within the FPI. “We supported the presidential campaign and we welcome the result. Ivorians have renewed their trust in President Ouattara. We remain in this momentum.”