In Côte d’Ivoire, several thousand people demonstrated peacefully on Saturday, August 9, in Abidjan’s Yopougon district, at the call of the United Front made up of the country’s two main opposition parties — the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) and the African Peoples’ Party–Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). Following the June demonstration, this is another rally organized by the opposition and authorized by the authorities. The gathering ended at Ficgayo Square, the march’s final destination.

On this Saturday, several thousand people took to the streets to protest against incumbent President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term.

Many activists turned out for this first mobilization of the United Front, which brings together the two leading opposition parties. In the crowd, there were numerous supporters of Laurent Gbagbo wearing t-shirts with his image. Others wore green shirts bearing the likeness of Tidjane Thiam. Neither leader attended the march, but participants voiced their demands on their behalf: they want both men reinstated on the electoral roll so they can run in the October presidential election.

“I’m marching so our leaders can participate in the presidential election,” said Judith, holding a Côte d’Ivoire flag. “We want our leaders’ names — President Laurent Gbagbo’s name to be listed. President Tidjane Thiam’s name to be listed. That’s why we’re here.” Judith multitasked by selling peanuts while proudly waving the Ivorian flag.

Among the demonstrators were also supporters of Pascal Affi N’Guessan, the leader of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), who has expressed support for political dialogue. The march unfolded peacefully, sometimes with a festive atmosphere as participants sang and danced, though the slogans were strongly critical.

“We don’t want an unconstitutional fourth term for Alassane Ouattara,” insisted Sébastien Dano Djédjé, the PPA-CI’s executive president.

“We demand respect for the Constitution. Which article authorizes a fourth term?” asked Antoine, a PPA-CI activist.

In his speech on July 29, outgoing President Alassane Ouattara stated that the Constitution allows him to run for another term.