Côte d’Ivoire political dialogue requires shift in power balance

Former FPI deputy Traoré Mamadou has commented on the current sociopolitical situation in Côte d’Ivoire, arguing that political dialogue remains an illusion without a significant shift in the balance of power.

Following the refusal of the ruling party to engage with the opposition regarding the establishment of a new electoral body, Mamadou suggests that the opposition must first create the necessary conditions for dialogue through pressure rather than merely requesting it. He notes that goodwill alone is insufficient to secure concessions from those in power.

Mamadou pointed to the demonstrations on August 9, 2025, in Yopougon, where thousands of PPA-CI and PDCI militants gathered to demand change. While this mobilization showed a public willingness to be heard, the current political landscape does not yet favor the opposition in a way that would compel the government to negotiate.