The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire-Rally of the Democratic Forces of Africa (PDCI-RDA), the country’s leading opposition party, has renewed its call for an inclusive political dialogue with the administration of President Alassane Ouattara. The plea centers on resolving critical national issues, including the establishment of an independent electoral body and the return of party leader Cheick Tidjane Thiam from exile.

The announcement came during a press conference held by Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, the PDCI-RDA’s spokesperson, on May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Cocody, Abidjan.

‘’We urge a structured political dialogue with the government to tackle the crises undermining our nation,’’ Traoré stated. ‘’The PDCI-RDA is fully prepared to engage in discussions aimed at creating a truly independent electoral commission. Our party will not compromise on ensuring this body operates with absolute autonomy.’’

The spokesperson also addressed internal party dynamics, clarifying that calls for rapprochement with the ruling Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) do not reflect official party sentiment. ‘’While individual voices within the party may advocate for collaboration, the official stance remains guided by President Tidjane Thiam’s leadership,’’ he explained. ‘’That said, we do not rule out dialogue as a means to serve Côte d’Ivoire’s interests.’’

The PDCI-RDA, he emphasized, ‘’has no permanent adversaries—only solutions to pursue.’’

economic challenges and policy critiques

Traoré also highlighted concerns over the recent coffee and cocoa sector crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, questioning the feasibility of certain targets outlined in the 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND). ‘’While we support long-term growth, some projections appear detached from economic realities,’’ he noted.

Addressing internal dissent, Traoré dismissed the legitimacy of the newly formed faction ‘Héritiers pour la Démocratie et la Légalité’ (HDL), led by Valérie Yapo, stating that the PDCI-RDA’s statutes do not permit formal party factions. ‘’The party remains united under its constitutional framework,’’ he asserted.

conditions for leadership’s return

On the return of party leader Cheick Tidjane Thiam, who has been abroad for months, Traoré stressed the need for ‘’guarantees’’ ensuring his safety and political participation. ‘’Attacks on Thiam are attacks on the PDCI-RDA as a whole,’’ he warned, adding that the vice-president of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly would not tolerate disrespect toward the party’s leadership.

The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the PDCI-RDA’s ambition to reclaim national leadership and steer Côte d’Ivoire toward stability and progress.