In a significant political development, Côte d’Ivoire’s ruling party, the RHDP, held its first formal talks with the opposition CAP-Côte d’Ivoire coalition ahead of the country’s October 2025 presidential elections.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, July 16, signals a possible shift toward dialogue in the tense pre-election climate.

The CAP-Côte d’Ivoire coalition includes key opposition parties such as the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC) led by former First Lady Simone Gbagbo, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) headed by Tidiane Thiam, and Charles Blé Goudé’s COJEP party.

The dialogue is seen as an opportunity to ease political tensions and foster consensus ahead of the polls.