Abidjan, November 26, 2024 – A total of 137 former supporters of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the African Peoples' Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PPACI), and the Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP) from the Haut-Sassandra region, including some high-ranking public administration officials, have officially joined the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP).

This significant event took place in the presence of Gilbert Koné Kafana, High Representative of the President of the Republic and Chairman of the RHDP Executive Council; Minister-Governor Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, RHDP Executive Secretary; Minister of State Anne Désirée Ouloto, a member of the RHDP Executive Council; Claude Sahy, RHDP Deputy Executive Secretary for Communication and Propaganda; and Minister Mamadou Touré, President of the Haut-Sassandra Regional Council and Deputy Spokesperson for the RHDP, who organized the ceremony.

Expressing delight over this massive wave of support, Gilbert Koné Kafana highlighted the progress Côte d'Ivoire has achieved under President Alassane Ouattara’s leadership since 2011.

"Ivorians, in their majority, appreciate what President Alassane Ouattara has done. You are talented individuals, and the RHDP is a great party that assures and reassures," he said. He emphasized that, after initial skepticism, Ivorians have come to recognize that development and social welfare are trademarks of President Ouattara.

"This ceremony demonstrates the RHDP’s openness to all. You have made the right choice by rallying behind President Ouattara, who embodies stability and peace," added Koné Kafana.

The RHDP leader further noted the party’s significant gains during recent elections in the Haut-Sassandra region, including victories in the Regional Council and all seven municipalities, a remarkable achievement in a traditionally opposition-leaning area.

"This success proves that Ivorians, especially those in Haut-Sassandra, now understand that President Ouattara prioritizes development and social welfare," he affirmed.

Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, RHDP Executive Secretary, praised Minister Mamadou Touré for his dedication and deep understanding of President Ouattara’s vision.

"Politics is nothing but ensuring the social well-being of people—access to better healthcare, decent living conditions, and paved roads. This is precisely what President Ouattara has been doing since 2011. Your choice is one of both heart and reason," he stated.

Minister Mamadou Touré described the ceremony as a long-awaited moment, officially welcoming former members of opposition parties, including high-ranking public officials, to the RHDP fold.

"Their membership underscores the growing strength of the RHDP in our region. The recent elections have demonstrated this shift, with the RHDP winning in all municipalities of the Haut-Sassandra region," he noted.

Among the new supporters were notable figures such as Baï Demysere, Court and Prosecutor’s Office Administrator; Naka Jonas, FPI National Technical Secretary for Identification Policy and Civil Registration Modernization; Djina Germain, PPACI Vice-President Advisor for the Sassandra-Marahoué District; Kipré Olivier, alias Lumumba (formerly with the LMP); Tapé Logroan (former RHDP mayor); Guéhoua Nadine Koré, Civil Administrator; and Barthélémy Inabo.

These individuals expressed their admiration for the transformation the region has undergone since 2011, which motivated their decision to join the RHDP.