Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday confirmed he will run for a fourth term in the country’s upcoming presidential election, despite mounting criticism from the opposition over constitutional concerns.
Ouattara, 83, made the declaration during a televised address to the nation, after receiving the nomination of his ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace.
He said the decision was driven by the country’s growing security and economic challenges.
“I am a candidate because the constitution of our country allows me to run for another term and my health permits it,” he stated, adding that Côte d’Ivoire was “facing unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges, the management of which requires experience.”