The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), Côte d’Ivoire’s primary opposition party, has once again urged for the initiation of a political dialogue with President Alassane Ouattara’s administration. The party aims to confront the pressing national concerns currently affecting the country, specifically highlighting the establishment of a new electoral body and facilitating the return of PDCI-RDA leader, Cheick Tidjane Thiam, to Côte d’Ivoire.
This significant appeal was delivered by Deputy Bredoumy Soumaïla Kouassi Traoré, the official spokesperson for the PDCI-RDA, during a press briefing he conducted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the party’s headquarters located in Cocody, eastern Abidjan.
“We are advocating for a structured political dialogue with the current government to address the fundamental issues impeding the nation’s progress. The PDCI-RDA stands ready to engage in any political discussion that will lead to the creation of a truly independent electoral body,” the PDCI-RDA spokesperson emphasized during his interaction with the media. He further stressed, “The PDCI remains highly vigilant and demands that this new institution operates with genuine autonomy.”
Addressing remarks from certain party officials and activists who have increasingly called for a rapprochement between the PDCI-RDA and Alassane Ouattara’s RHDP, Mr. Bredoumy clarified that these sentiments do not represent the party’s official stance, which is articulated by its president, Tidjane Thiam.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged: “We do not rule out such a possibility.”
“The PDCI is fundamentally a party of dialogue. Therefore, we harbor no animosity towards anyone,” he affirmed.
Continuing his remarks, Mr. Bredoumy expressed concern over the recent crisis impacting Côte d’Ivoire’s vital coffee and cocoa sectors. He also offered an analysis of the country’s National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, deeming certain aspects of it unrealistic.
Regarding the emergence of an internal faction within the PDCI in early May, known as ‘Héritiers pour la démocratie et la légalité’ (HDL) led by Valérie Yapo, Mr. Bredoumy stated that “the PDCI’s foundational texts do not permit the existence of such internal currents.”
Concerning the conditions for the return of Tidjane Thiam, the PDCI-RDA president, who has been outside Côte d’Ivoire for several months, the party’s spokesperson indicated that “assurances” are necessary to facilitate his homecoming.
“An insult directed at Tidjane Thiam is an insult to the entire PDCI,” remarked Mr. Bredoumy, who also serves as the Vice-President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire.
The PDCI-RDA spokesperson concluded his press conference by asserting that his party “aspires to govern the country once more.”
