Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara waves as he arrives to attend the congress of the ruling party RHDP, ahead of the October presidential election at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, in Anyama, Ivory Coast June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Luc Gnago/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

ABIDJAN, July 29 (Reuters) – Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara said on Tuesday he will run for a fourth term in the West African nation’s presidential election on October 25.

Ouattara, 83, was re-elected for a contested third term in 2020. He has previously said he would like to step down.

However, he signaled in January that he wanted to continue as president.

“The constitution of our country allows me to serve another term, and my health permits it,” Ouattara, who was first elected president in the world’s top cocoa producing nation in 2010, said in a video message on his X account.

“I am running for office because our country is facing unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges that require experience to manage,” he said.

Justifying why he decided to go back on his earlier promise not to seek another term, he said, “Duty sometimes transcends a promise that was made in good faith.”

“This is why after thoughtful consideration, and in all conscience, I’m announcing today that I’ve decided to be a candidate in the presidential election of 25 October 2025,” Ouattara said.

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