Ahead of the 2025 general elections in Côte d’Ivoire, African workers have called for the genuine observance of the rule of law to promote peace and ensure credible electoral processes and outcomes.
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) appealed in a statement issued by its General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie.
The confederation expressed concern over recent political developments in Côte d’Ivoire, following the announcement by incumbent President Alassane Ouattara of his intention to seek a fourth consecutive term. It also noted the mass mobilisation of opposition parties in Abidjan, who are demanding the defence of democracy and the conduct of inclusive and peaceful presidential elections.
“We strongly urge the Ivorian authorities to uphold and apply the principles of the rule of law in navigating the current political situation.”
“We also encourage the government to initiate an inclusive political dialogue in preparation for the 2025 elections. Such dialogue is essential to safeguard peace, social cohesion, and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and by extension, in West Africa as a whole.”
“As part of efforts to de-escalate the current tensions, ITUC-Africa calls on the Ivorian government to immediately release all political detainees and arrestees,” the statement read.
According to the ITUC-Africa Scribe, the move will help create an enabling environment for dialogue and constructive political negotiations that can foster peace and security in the country and the region.
“We further appeal to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take proactive and sustained measures to guarantee credible, transparent and peaceful presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We call on these supranational institutions to consider the deployment of joint AU–ECOWAS–UN dialogue and diplomatic representations with the different national political actors and entities to avert escalation of the situation”, Odigie said.
In line with President Ouattara’s call in his 29 July speech for “peaceful” and “transparent” elections, ITUC-Africa urged the government to resume formal dialogue with the opposition to ensure a genuine, fair and credible electoral process.
He said this would encourage political parties that have withdrawn from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to return, while also considering revisions to the electoral list to allow disqualified candidates to contest.
“Where reopening the list is not feasible, political parties whose candidates have been excluded should, at least, be allowed to field alternative nominees by the legal deadline of 26 August.
“With three months remaining before the election, there is still time for Côte d’Ivoire to act decisively and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past”, he said.
According to ITUC-Africa, it said it will continue to monitor developments closely and together with its affiliates in Côte d’Ivoire, civil society partners, human rights organisations, and international mechanisms, will take all legitimate measures necessary to safeguard peace, security, and the rights of workers and citizens during what it called “this critical period.”