The ruling by a court in Ivory Coast, announced on Tuesday, is based on the finding that Thiam, former CEO of Credit Suisse, was registered as a French citizen at the time of his application, rendering him ineligible under Ivorian law.
Thiam’s legal team, speaking to Reuters, confirmed the basis of the ruling: “Given his French nationality and in accordance with Article 48 of the Ivorian Nationality Code, he was no longer Ivorian at the time he registered on the electoral roll.”
The decision deals a serious blow to Thiam’s political aspirations and has reignited debates around dual nationality and electoral eligibility in Ivory Coast.
In a statement following the ruling, Thiam called on political leaders across the spectrum to engage in dialogue to resolve the political impasse.
“Ivorians expect the judicial system to guarantee peaceful, transparent and credible elections—not to serve as an instrument for a regime seeking to hoard power and silence its critics,” he said.
He further criticized the ruling party, accusing it of manipulating the courts to sideline opposition voices: “The ruling party has used the courts to eliminate its most serious rival, while maintaining the illusion of due process. Make no mistake about it—this decision is an act of democratic vandalism that will disenfranchise millions of voters.”
Thiam’s citizenship change
As expected of individuals with dual citizenship, Tidjane Thiam took steps earlier this year to renounce his French nationality in a bid to comply with Ivorian electoral laws.
In February, the former Credit Suisse CEO announced in a Facebook video that he had formally submitted a request to relinquish his French passport, a move intended to secure his status as solely Ivorian ahead of the presidential election.
“I hereby renew my commitment to working for real change in Ivory Coast, so that the living conditions of Ivorians improve. That’s what we’re fighting for,” Thiam said in the video.
Under Ivorian law, presidential candidates must hold only Ivorian citizenship and cannot be nationals of any other country.
Following Thiam’s application, a decree published in France’s official journal in March confirmed that he had “been released from his allegiance to France,” seemingly clearing the path for his candidacy.
The move was widely seen as a strategic effort to meet constitutional requirements and position himself as a serious contender in the race to lead the world’s top cocoa-producing nation.
Other frontline candidates
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, who was re-elected for a third term in 2020 has hinted he may seek a fourth term if backed by his party, noting he’s in good health and willing to serve.
Multiple strong candidates, in addition to President Alassane Ouattara, are expected to contest the presidency of this West African economic powerhouse, home to 32 million people and include:
– Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan is running under the Front populaire ivoirien (FPI), having previously contested in 2015 and 2020.
– Simone Gbagbo, former First Lady and head of the Mouvement des générations capables (MGC), has declared her candidacy.
– Laurent Gbagbo, former president (2000–2011), also intends to run with the PPA-CI but is barred due to a past conviction, despite a 2022 pardon.
– Guillaume Soro, in exile since 2019, plans to run though he was convicted in absentia for crimes including undermining state security.
Ivory Coast’s 2025 election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the nation, with a mix of established leaders and new challengers vying for the presidency.
The disqualification of Tidjane Thiam has added complexity to the political landscape, potentially influencing opposition dynamics and voter sentiment.
