Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo establishes a collegiate leadership at the head of the PPA-CI

Reaffirmed as president of the PPA-CI in May 2026, Laurent Gbagbo announced his intention to delegate some of his powers. While a delegation to a single individual was initially considered, five party leaders are ultimately entrusted with new roles at the top of the organization.

Assoa Adou becomes the first vice-president. He will notably be responsible for ensuring adherence to the political line of the PPA-CI. Hubert Oulaye is named second vice-president, with responsibility for the party’s life and the presidency of central committee meetings.

The former ambassador Emmanuel Ackah takes the position of third vice-president, in charge of party activities. Justin Katinan Koné, for his part, continues to oversee the general policy of the PPA-CI.

Sébastien Dano Djédjé is appointed president of the Strategic and Political Council, a structure responsible for overseeing the party’s actions.

Gbagbo remains at the center of the system

Laurent Gbagbo presents this new organization as a shift towards a “more collegial” leadership, based, in his terms, on “the complementarity of responsibilities and unity in action.”

This evolution does not, however, signify a complete change in governance, believes political analyst Abdourahmane Barry. According to him, the five officials will mainly be tasked with ensuring the day-to-day management of the party, while “leadership and governance remain in the hands of Laurent Gbagbo.”

The reorganization comes as the PPA-CI seeks to structure its operations around several leading figures, following the reaffirmation of its founder as president of the party. The new coordination modalities between these officials have not been specified.