In Côte d’Ivoire, the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) has firmly denied any involvement in the removal of opposition leader Tidjane Thiam from the electoral roll.

During a press briefing in Abidjan, RHDP spokesperson Kobenan Adjoumani Kouassi dismissed the accusations as deliberate disinformation by the opposition.

The party criticized what it called “a deliberate and concerted attempt to kidnap and publicly execute the truth.”

The controversy has deepened political tensions as the country heads toward crucial elections.