Ivory Coast Roundup: Final list of presidential candidates, arrests of activists,  historic art museum

Constitutional Council confirms final list of presidential candidates

On September 8, 2025, the Constitutional Council published the final list of five candidates for the October 25 presidential election: President Alassane Ouattara, Jean-Louis Billon, Don Mello, Simone Gbagbo, and Henriette Lagou. The candidatures of Laurent Gbagbo (PPA-CI) and Tidjane Thiam (PDCI) were rejected, citing a lack of sponsorships, among other reasons.

PPA-CI raises alarm over arrests of activists

The executive president of the African Peoples' Party-Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI), Dano Djédjé Sébastien, expressed concern on September 16 in Abidjan about the situation of party activists and executives reportedly arrested since August 1, 2025. According to the PPA-CI, 29 members, including Pascale Zaholy, Moïse Lida Kouassi, and Boubacar Koné, have been victims of “kidnappings or forced disappearances.” The party announced plans to meet with the Ministry of the Interior and Security for clarification, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political engagement. Djédjé emphasised the importance of safeguarding political freedoms and avoiding intimidation ahead of the October presidential election.

UN envoy urges peaceful and inclusive elections

Leonardo Santos Simão, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, met with Ivorian political leaders in Abidjan on September 20, 2025. He held discussions with both selected and rejected presidential candidates, stressing the need for peaceful, inclusive, and transparent elections. The mission aims to promote stability and social cohesion before and after the vote.

Opening of historic contemporary art museum

A new contemporary art museum, La Maison de l’Art, has opened in Grand-Bassam in a restored colonial-era building. The inaugural exhibition features 28 artists from nine African countries, showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, and design. The space includes permanent and temporary exhibition halls, an artist residency, and meeting facilities. Ivorian artist Mathilde Moreau described it as a gathering place for exchange and creativity. The project was realised in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Société Générale Foundation.

Launch of first forensic art programme in West Africa 

The University of Bondoukou inaugurated a new programme in “Forensic Art and Facial Identification” during a seminar on September 24–25, 2025. The initiative, the first of its kind in West Africa, stems from a collaboration with the forensic science department. Authorities praised the programme as a symbol of innovation and modernity in higher education. University president Professor Ouattara Djakalia emphasised the institution’s commitment to developing training aligned with labour market needs and preparing competitive graduates.