Thousands of PPA-CI members gathered in Abidjan’s Treichville Cultural Center for the party’s first ordinary congress since its founding. The event culminated in a landslide re-election of Laurent Gbagbo as president, extending his leadership for another term.

The congress, held on May 14, saw nearly 3,000 delegates unanimously endorse Gbagbo’s leadership. The former Ivorian president, who co-founded the PPA-CI in 2020 following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges related to the 2010–2011 post-election crisis, was initially set to step back from active party duties in 2025. However, persistent calls from supporters convinced him to remain at the helm.

At 80, Gbagbo’s re-election underscores his enduring influence within the party. His leadership is seen as a bridge between generations, with party officials emphasizing the need to groom younger leaders while maintaining continuity. The congress also focused on internal reorganization and revitalizing grassroots structures to strengthen the PPA-CI’s nationwide presence.

The reaffirmation of Gbagbo’s leadership comes as the party prepares for future electoral challenges in Côte d’Ivoire. His return to the forefront signals a renewed commitment to the political agenda that defined his earlier career, including economic sovereignty and social justice.