Simone Gbagbo announces her candidacy for the 2025 Ivorian presidential election
An ambition for a renewed Ivory Coast
Simone Ehivet Gbagbo , former First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, has made her candidacy official for the October 2025 presidential election. During the first convention of her party, the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC) , held in Moossou, near Abidjan, she affirmed her determination to build a new nation.
“I agreed to be a candidate because I deeply believe that every Ivorian, whatever their condition, can transcend trials, dream, create, build and succeed,” she declared in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
A bold vision for the country and Africa
At 75 , Simone Gbagbo aims to propose a new trajectory for Côte d’Ivoire. She has called for a total transformation of the nation, in line with a pan-African vision.
“I am making you a bold offer: to build a modernized and prosperous Côte d’Ivoire, in an Africa that is uninhibited, strong, respected and essential,” she insisted, promising a renaissance that is both national and continental.
A controversial figure in Ivorian politics
Nicknamed the “Iron Lady” , Simone Gbagbo left her mark on the Ivorian political scene alongside her ex-husband, Laurent Gbagbo, president from 2000 to 2011. Their reign ended in chaos, with a deadly post-election crisis that left nearly 3,000 dead .
Simone Gbagbo was arrested in April 2011 with Laurent Gbagbo, after the fall of his regime, and served several years in detention. Their divorce, requested by Laurent Gbagbo upon his return to Côte d’Ivoire in 2021 , was officially pronounced in 2023 , marking a turning point in their personal and political relationship.
A candidacy at the heart of Ivorian issues
With this candidacy, Simone Gbagbo intends to establish herself as a political alternative to the major figures of the Ivorian landscape. Her message of transformation and her past as a long-time activist could seduce a part of the electorate in search of change.
Conclusion
Simone Gbagbo is positioning herself as a candidate determined to embody a new lease of life for Côte d’Ivoire and Africa. However, her controversial political career and complex legacy could influence the perception of this ambition. The coming months will be crucial to assess her impact in an election where the stakes are particularly high for the country. street and rigorous management of public finances, could position the country on a sustainable trajectory. Progress in governance and transparency are also a key lever to restore confidence and attract more investment.
