Ivory Coast Roundup: Presidential election, Dual nationality debate, French military base

Dengue fever statistics

Côte d'Ivoire has reported 136 confirmed cases of dengue fever as of June 2024, with the epicentre in the Abidjan district of Cocody-Bingerville. The announcement was made by Dr. Alexandre Koffi Franklin during a capacity-building workshop at the National Institute of Public Hygiene (INHP) in Treichville. Dr. Koffi emphasised the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using insecticide-treated bed nets to curb the spread of the disease, the Ivorian Press Agency reports. Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and, in severe cases, can lead to hypotension, skin rashes, or even death. The government declared an epidemic in 2023 and has since intensified awareness campaigns to encourage preventive measures.

Abnormal fish mortality

The Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources has announced precautionary measures following the discovery of abnormal fish mortality in Lake "La Piscine" in Sikensi, located 83.6 km from Abidjan. Authorities have temporarily banned fishing, consumption, and sale of fish from the affected area while awaiting laboratory test results. A report by the Ivorian Press Agency indicated that a team of experts has been deployed to investigate the cause, with preliminary findings pointing to potential contamination from pesticides, the release of toxins from lake sediments, or a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels.

Dual nationality debate

Former Ivorian President, now leader of the African Peoples Party-Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI), Laurent Gbagbo, has addressed the issue of dual nationality during a party event in Marcory. He stated, "We can't play at being a little Ivorian, a little French, a little Danish. We are or we are not," Fratmat.Info reports. Gbagbo revealed that although he was eligible for French nationality due to his father's veteran status, he never pursued it. His comments come amid growing debate over dual nationality, sparked by PDCI leader Tidjane Thiam’s announcement of his intent to renounce French nationality to qualify as a candidate for the October 2025 presidential election.

Presidential election campaign begins

The rally ahead of the October 2025 presidential election in Ivory Coast has officially begun, with Jean-Louis Billon, candidate for the African Democratic Rally (RDA), launching his campaign on February 8, 2025, in Yopougon. While leading a procession of supporters, he addressed a cheering crowd at Place CP1. The rally, infused with a concert, featured performances by Zouglou artist Sami Succès, Fratmat.Info reports. Meanwhile, PDCI President Tidjane Thiam announced on February 7, 2025, his decision to renounce his French nationality to meet the constitutional requirement for candidacy in the upcoming election. This move aligns with growing nationalist sentiments and ensures his eligibility in the race against ruling party contenders.

French military base retrocession

Ivory Coast will officially regain control of the French military base in Port-Bouët on February 20, 2025, marking another step in France's military disengagement from Africa. The retrocession follows months of negotiations between the two nations. Defence ministers Téné Birahima Ouattara (Ivory Coast) and Sébastien Lecornu (France) are expected to attend the transfer ceremony. President Alassane Ouattara initially announced the handover during his New Year's address, signalling a shift in Ivorian-French military cooperation and a reconfiguration of France's defence presence in West Africa, Jeune Afrique reports.