Ivorian presidential election: former pillar Ouattara breaks and challenges

Philippe Serey-Eiffel, Alassane Ouattara's long-time advisor for nearly thirty years, is breaking his silence. In a confidential letter sent in mid-May, he castigates the exclusion of Tidjane Thiam from the electoral list for the October 2025 presidential election, denouncing a "triple political error" and a potential "moral failing." A scathing warning that could precipitate major upheaval in the campaign.

A letter full of barbs

In a letter dated mid-May and revealed by Africa Intelligence, Serey-Eiffel addressed President Alassane Ouattara directly. He denounced the outright exclusion of Tidjane Thiam, an opposition figure and former managing director of the World Bank, from the presidential campaign. According to him, this decision undermines Ivorian democracy and tarnishes the image of the leader as "the heir to Houphouët-Boigny."

He wrote in particular: "No one today disputes Tidjane Thiam's Ivorian nationality... Preventing the candidacy of an Ivorian of recognized value would undermine democracy."

Triple political error and electoral equation

Serey-Eiffel describes Thiam's exclusion as a "triple political error": it excludes a major opposition voice, it weakens the legitimacy of the election, and it leads to a legal impasse likely to provoke harmful aftershocks.

He even calls for an exceptional revision of the electoral register, in order to reinstate Thiam and restore credibility to the process.

Rupture, counter-offensive and political impact

By dividing, he goes further: he withdraws his support for Ouattara. This is a strong signal. He considers that the president is distorting the values ​​of transparency dear to Houphouët-Boigny.

As soon as his letter was published, ministers close to Ouattara responded. Khalil Ibrahim Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition, publicly reprimanded him, deeming it unfounded. Clearly, this defection resonated like a bolt from the blue in power circles.

Towards a fractured countryside

This episode comes at a time of already tense conditions: four key candidates, including Thiam, Gbagbo, Soro, and Blé Goudé, have been simply dropped from the race. Criticism is growing: this revolt by the highly respected Serey-Eiffel could prompt other RHDP heavyweights to disassociate themselves.

As the political climate hardens, calls for inclusivity become more pressing. Behind the scenes, the former advisor hopes for the beginnings of reform before the campaign begins on the ground.