In Côte d’Ivoire, a controversial ruling has rocked the political landscape as the Court of First Instance in Abidjan removed opposition leader Tidjane Thiam from the electoral roll. The court ruled that Thiam was not an Ivorian citizen at the time of his registration.

The decision has drawn strong condemnation from Thiam’s legal team and his party, the PDCI. They argue the ruling is politically motivated, especially with the presidential elections just months away.

Tidjane Thiam, who is seen as a key challenger to the ruling establishment, reaffirmed his candidacy in a video shared on social media. He insisted that the PDCI has no other candidate for the October elections.

The court’s decision could significantly alter the political dynamics of the upcoming vote and deepen tensions in the country’s already charged electoral environment.