The African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened its inaugural ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This pivotal political gathering not only saw the re-affirmation of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo at the helm of the party but also ushered in a wave of disciplinary measures targeting several key officials and activists.

At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo’s re-election was met with acclamation from nearly 3,000 congress participants. This decision aligned with a recommendation from the party’s Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical leader to continue guiding the political endeavors of the PPA-CI, a party established in October 2021.

Through this renewed mandate, the party signals its firm intention to solidify its standing within the Ivorian opposition as it gears up for upcoming electoral contests.

However, the congress was equally defined by an extensive internal reorganization. A number of party officials faced sanctions for failing to adhere to directives issued during the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.

Notably, three senior cadres were expelled from the party: Awa Domelo, Fernand Ailé, and Kanga Kwaku Antoine.

Furthermore, 25 activists received suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Among those suspended for an 18-month period were Stéphane Kipré and Ouien George Armand.

These sanctions reportedly stemmed from certain cadres lending support to dissident candidacies, directly contravening the boycott instructions issued by the PPA-CI leadership during previous polls.

The case of Awa Domelo drew particular attention. Her candidacy had previously been presented as a precautionary measure, given the legal uncertainties surrounding Laurent Gbagbo’s eligibility at the time.

For the party’s leadership, this series of disciplinary actions aims to bolster internal discipline and to clearly define the PPA-CI’s political trajectory as future electoral battles loom.

This congress unfolds within a dynamic period of political realignment in Côte d’Ivoire, where the ruling RHDP continues to demonstrate its organizational prowess. By asserting its authority, the PPA-CI intends to underscore that Laurent Gbagbo remains the central figure around whom the party’s future is unequivocally shaped.