An African Union (AU) delegation on a peace mission in Côte d’Ivoire met with former President Laurent Gbagbo on Wednesday in Abidjan. The visit is part of efforts to ease political tensions ahead of the October presidential election.

The AU team, led by Mahamat Saleh Annadif, has been engaging key stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and inclusive electoral process. Gbagbo, a declared candidate, was recently excluded from the electoral register—a move that has sparked controversy.

Earlier, the delegation also held talks with the National Human Rights Commission, signaling the AU’s commitment to hearing all sides in the unfolding political drama.

Annadif told reporters that the AU’s goal is to prevent another crisis and ensure democratic stability in Côte d’Ivoire as the country inches toward a highly anticipated election.