WHO IS VINCENT TOH BI IRIE ?
On May 13, 2025, Vincent Toh Bi Irié took a decisive step: he officially announced his candidacy for the Ivorian presidential election scheduled for October. A respected figure in public administration and a former Prefect of Abidjan turned international consultant, his unique career path has made him one of the most closely watched outsiders in the race for power. Here’s a portrait of a man of action and conviction.
A Son of Dabou Trained for Excellence
Born on November 17, 1969, in Dabou, southern Côte d’Ivoire, Vincent Toh Bi Irié grew up in an environment rooted in republican values. After an outstanding academic record, he pursued Modern Literature at the University of Cocody (Abidjan), where he honed his intellectual rigor. Driven by a strong desire to serve the state, he naturally enrolled at the National School of Administration (ENA) in 1998, receiving training aligned with the highest standards of civil service.
A Committed Start in Public Administration
Upon graduation, he joined the Ministry of the Interior as a program officer until 2000. In 2001, he was appointed sub-prefect of Tiémé in the northern region. In this role, he stood out for his dialogue skills and close relationship with local communities—traits that would become his hallmark.
A Strong International Track Record
Between 2002 and 2011, Toh Bi Irié developed expertise in conflict prevention and election observation. He worked as a consultant for the UNDP, then as resident director of EISA (Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) in South Africa. He traveled across the continent, observing, evaluating, and supporting complex electoral processes.
Returning to Côte d’Ivoire, he was appointed technical advisor to the Ministry of the Interior in 2014, and later served as chief of staff to State Minister Hamed Bakayoko until 2017, where he oversaw major security and electoral reforms.
The Prefect of Abidjan Who Broke the Mold
On August 29, 2018, he was appointed Prefect of the Abidjan department. In this strategic role, he made a lasting impression with his unique leadership style—direct, accessible, and transparent. He frequently communicated via Facebook, explaining decisions, responding to public concerns, and even sharing personal reflections. This was a first in Ivorian administrative history.
His candid communication and attentiveness made him a popular figure—but also a disruptive one in a tense political environment. He resigned on August 26, 2020, on the eve of a controversial presidential election, sparking speculation about his motives and political future.
A Valued Expert for International Institutions
His departure from the prefecture did not signal withdrawal but rather a shift to the international stage. He worked with institutions like USAID, the European Union, the African Union, and the United Nations, which appointed him electoral expert in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. His profile as an independent technocrat made him especially valuable in sensitive contexts.
2025: Entering Active Politics
On May 13, 2025, in a highly anticipated statement, Vincent Toh Bi Irié officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of Côte d’Ivoire. Guided by a vision of national reconciliation, new governance, and a break from traditional political practices, he presents himself as a citizen-led alternative to the current political landscape.
His platform is built on three key pillars:
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Rebuilding Public Governance
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Reconciliation and National Cohesion
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Creating Opportunities for Youth
His challenge is significant: lacking a traditional political machine, he is relying on his reputation, integrity, and long-standing closeness to the population.
A Figure to Watch Closely
Vincent Toh Bi Irié represents a new generation of public leaders—technocratic, humanistic, and patriotic. Could he be the agent of change many are hoping for? His candidacy is certainly shaking up Côte d’Ivoire’s political landscape, still dominated by longstanding figures. In a country yearning for peaceful political transition, his voice is now one that matters.
