ABIDJAN: Placide Konan has been using his slam poetry shows to speak out against Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term in Saturday’s election.
The 33-year-old in the capital, Abidjan, told The Associated Press he is frustrated by hardship in the country. Despite being one of West Africa’s economic powerhouses and the world’s largest cocoa producer, it has growing inequality and a poverty rate of 37.5 percent. More than three-quarters of the population is under 35.
“People can no longer make ends meet, Konan said. “You have to be very lucky, or a bit of a magician, to be able to live comfortably,” he said of the vibrant port capital, which still basks in its role as host of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Analysts say the 83-year-old Ouattara is likely to win and extend his rule that began in 2011. Key opposition leaders have been disqualified, including former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam. A local court ruled that Thiam had French nationality, which Ivorian law does not allow for presidential candidates. He rejected the decision as foul play and gave up his French nationality in March.
Instead, Ouattara will face a weakened challenge from four candidates including Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister, and Simone Gbagbo, a former first lady.
