Ouattara Wins Fourth Term as Ivory Coast President

Published 4 days ago·Updated 3 days ago

story

Above: President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara on Oct. 10, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Image copyright: Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Ouattara's fourth term victory marks democratic stability and economic success in West Africa's most promising nation. The 89.77% landslide validates his proven leadership during 15 years of unprecedented growth, transforming Ivory Coast into Africa's best-kept economic secret with 7% annual GDP growth. His experience navigating security challenges and monetary policy as a U.S.-trained economist makes him indispensable for continued prosperity.

BBC News Business Day

Government-critical narrative

This election exposed a democratic sham in which aging autocrats manipulate systems to cling to power indefinitely. Ouattara's victory came through systematic exclusion of real opponents, violent crackdowns on protesters, and rigged processes that make military coups look legitimate by comparison. The 89.77% result reflects voter suppression and engineered outcomes, not genuine support from citizens demanding change after decades of authoritarian rule.

Premium Times Nigeria Global Voices Coogunmodede

Establishment-critical narrative

France and its Western allies preach democracy but back long-time rulers like Biya and Ouattara, whose regimes protect Western interests. From Abidjan, power is used to destabilize neighbors like Burkina Faso when control over gold or influence is threatened. Behind the talk of “values” hides a system that rewards loyal autocrats to preserve a fading neo-colonial order.

Agenzia Nova

K.Diallo on X

Metaculus Prediction

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.