Ouattara Sworn In for Fourth Term as Ivory Coast Leader

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has been sworn in for a fourth term, following a controversial October election that saw him secure over 89% of the vote.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was attended by eleven other African presidents. However, the election was marred by low voter turnout and unrest, leading to at least eleven deaths and over 1,650 arrests, according to official government figures.

Speaking after the ceremony, President Ouattara stated, “This vote is a choice for stability, peace, and development.” His comments come after a decision by his government to exclude key opposition figures from participating in the election.

The United States has acknowledged the situation, but maintained a stance of non-interference. Jacob Helberg, U.S. assistant secretary of state for economic affairs, told The Associated Press a day prior to the inauguration, “We are not in the business of telling people how to run their country,” adding, “ultimately, we think the Ivory Coast is a politically stable place that is growing quickly.”

President Ouattara initially rose to power in 2010, after a fiercely contested election against Laurent Gbagbo. He oversaw a constitutional referendum in 2016, and controversially argued in 2020 that the amended constitution reset his term limits to zero – a claim vehemently rejected by his political opponents.

While supporters credit President Ouattara with economic recovery in the world’s leading cocoa producer, critics accuse him of consolidating power and undermining democratic principles. The political climate remains tense as the nation navigates this new term.

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