Ivory Coast’s generals are running out of patience as the 83-year-old president runs for a fourth term

The 33-year-old resident of the capital, Abidjan, told the Associated Press that he feels frustrated by the difficulties the country is facing. Despite being one of West Africa’s economic powerhouses and the world’s largest cocoa producer, it suffers from growing inequality and a poverty rate of 37.5%. More than three-quarters of the population is under 35 years of age.

“People can no longer make ends meet. You have to be very lucky, or a bit magical, to be able to live comfortably,” Conan said, referring to the vibrant coastal capital, which is still enjoying its role as host of the 2024 World Cup. African Cup of Nations.

Analysts say the 83-year-old Ouattara is likely to win and extend his rule that began in 2011. Key opposition leaders, including the former CEO of Credit Suisse, have been excluded. Tijani Thiam. A local court ruled that Thiam holds French citizenship, which Ivory Coast law does not allow for presidential candidates. He rejected the decision as a crime and renounced his French citizenship in March.

Instead, Ouattara will face a weak challenge from four candidates, including Jean-Louis Billon, the former trade minister, and Simone Gbagbo, former First Lady.

The elections are the latest in Pattern of long-term African presidents On a collision course with mostly young citizens.

Concerns about potential violence

About 8.7 million people were registered to vote in the elections amid fears of violence that were common in previous elections.

The ban imposed on the main opposition leaders sparked protests by the authorities I tried to prevent. Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested, some of them… He was sentenced to prison. The government restricted public gatherings and deployed more than 40,000 security personnel. At least three people were killed.

Critics say the government exploited legal provisions to weaken the opposition, and claim the final list of candidates was unfair. The president denied targeting the opposition.

Recent events “undermine stability at a time like (Ivory Coast). Other countries in West Africa“Africa faces significant challenges,” said Paul Melly, consulting fellow in the Africa Program at Chatham House.

Ouattara came to power following a political crisis in 2010 and 2011 after Laurent Gbagbo refused to admit defeat. About 3,000 people were killed in the unrest.

Ouattara Stadium

Ignoring calls to step down and dismissing concerns about his age, Ouattara said he did just that He seeks a fourth term Due to the unprecedented security, economic and monetary challenges facing the country.

in Playground for young people“I have always been committed to providing the best for our young people so that they can start businesses, work, learn and be independent,” Ouattara told a rally last week.

He won a contested third term in 2020 after claiming that a 2016 constitutional change returned his years in office to zero. Nearly 100 people were killed after Ouattara’s victory, according to human rights groups.

“Ouattara has almost exclusive control over the state apparatus,” said Séverine Yao Kwame, a research professor at the country’s Bouaké University. He was able to build strong relationships with everyone who opposed him, and emerged victorious.”

Trouble in the north

Ouattara’s supporters point to a relatively strong economy, a wave of infrastructure development across the country and investments in the public sector on the back of increased government revenues and foreign investment.

The country will see economic growth of 6% in 2024, according to the World Bank.

“If you left Côte d’Ivoire to live abroad for a few years and came back today, you wouldn’t recognize your neighborhood,” said Asita Karamoko, an Abidjan hairdresser who supports Ouattara, referring to the country by its French name.

The Abidjan passenger train line is being expanded. In rural areas, more roads have been paved. What was once considered an economy centered in Abidjan is expanding.

“But it is still very difficult to translate all of this into more employment opportunities for young people,” said Millie from Chatham House. “In terms of youth employment and business opportunities, there is still a long way to go.”

Security is another challenge. Ivory Coast, bordered to the north by Mali and Burkina Faso, which are witnessing conflict, is facing pressure to stop the escalation. Pushing armed groups to the West African coast. The two countries, led by the military junta, cut ties with the regional bloc, leading to the collapse of security cooperation.

Analysts consider the Ivorian army one of the most advanced in the region, but with neighbors losing more territory to armed groups, Ivory Coast will have more to deal with.

Milley said: “The security situation is fragile and exposed in the north of the country.” “This is not the fault of the Ivory Coast government, (but) this is the reality of the regional situation,” he added.