Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo led mass demonstrations on Saturday opposing incumbent leader Alassane Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term in office.
The protests, the second wave this week, drew thousands of Ivorians into the streets ahead of the October presidential election. Addressing his supporters without directly naming Ouattara, Gbagbo, 80, urged resistance against what he called an unconstitutional “fourth term” and demanded the release of detained activists.
Ouattara has defended his candidacy, arguing that constitutional reforms in 2016 reset term limits, allowing him to contest again. In July, he declared that both his health and the nation’s challenges — including security and economic instability — justified his leadership bid.
Despite his influence, Gbagbo will not appear on the ballot due to past convictions, alongside other barred opposition figures such as former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. Analysts warn that excluding major opposition leaders from the race raises the risk of unrest, despite Ouattara’s assurances of a peaceful vote.