Court rules Tidjane Thiam ineligible for presidential run
- An Ivorian court ruled that Tidjane Thiam is ineligible to run for presidency due to his dual nationality.
- Thiam has renounced his French citizenship but the court's ruling stated he lost his Ivorian nationality upon acquiring French citizenship.
- The decision has faced backlash, with Thiam claiming it disenfranchises millions and reflects an intent to maintain political power.
In Ivory Coast, a significant judicial decision emerged regarding Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse. On April 22, 2025, the court declared Thiam ineligible to participate in the upcoming presidential election slated for October, asserting that he forfeited his Ivorian nationality upon acquiring French citizenship in 1987. Despite Thiam's efforts to renounce his French citizenship to become a candidate, the court ruled that the initial acquisition of French nationality invalidated his Ivorian status. This ruling has stirred considerable turmoil within the political landscape, especially since Thiam had recently been confirmed as the sole candidate for the Democratic Party, known as PDCI, after winning an uncontested primary event. Thiam received overwhelming support, with 5,321 votes out of 5,348 cast, positioning him as a prominent challenger to current President Alassane Ouattara, who is expected to seek a fourth term. Thiam and his supporters have expressed strong discontent with the court's decision, labeling it an act of