Mar 13 • 00:45 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Ivory Coast: Defections within the PDCI, four deputies leave the parliamentary group

Internal turmoil within Côte d'Ivoire's PDCI party leads to four deputies suspending their participation in the parliamentary group due to management issues.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) is facing internal upheaval as four deputies have announced their suspension from the parliamentary group. This announcement follows a significant reduction in the party's parliamentary representatives from the previous legislative elections, where the number of PDCI deputies was halved. The four deputies, who expressed their grievance publicly, cited dissatisfaction with the management style of Me Chrysostome Blessy as their primary reason for withdrawal.

The deputies highlighted issues such as lack of consultation, poor communication, and the exclusion of former deputies from positions within the Assembly's bureau as factors contributing to their decision. Me Athanase Kouamé, one of the deputies who announced the suspension, explicitly mentioned these grievances, reflecting broader concerns regarding the party's direction and leadership. This internal conflict not only illustrates challenges within the PDCI but also raises questions about the party's unity and future prospects amidst political changes in the country.

The situation is a turning point for the PDCI, which has historically been a significant player in Ivorian politics. The defection of these deputies, following the earlier withdrawal of three others, might indicate deeper fractures within the party that could affect its performance in future elections. As the PDCI grapples with these challenges, the outcomes of these internal disputes will be critical in shaping the party's strategy and cohesion moving forward, especially in a volatile political landscape.

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