The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to lead its Election Observation Mission for Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025.
The mission, which will run from 19 to 29 October, aims to ensure the credibility, transparency and fairness of the poll in line with ECOWAS’ Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
ECOWAS said the deployment reflects its continued commitment to peace, stability and democratic consolidation in the region. Osinbajo will head a team of experienced observers tasked with engaging key political actors, working with other international missions and monitoring the overall conduct of the election.
However, tensions are rising in Côte d’Ivoire as authorities imposed a sweeping two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations just a week before the vote. The interior and defence ministries said the restriction applies to all political groups except the five approved candidates contesting the election.
The ban follows the exclusion of prominent opposition figures Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam from the race, a move that has sparked widespread anger and sporadic unrest. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested across the country, with 26 sentenced to three years in prison for public order offences, while more than 100 others await trial.
Opposition parties have condemned President Alassane Ouattara’s fourth-term bid as unconstitutional, while Amnesty International has urged the government to stop suppressing dissent. Authorities, however, defend the crackdown as necessary for national security, as Ouattara faces challengers including Jean-Louis Billon and former first lady Simone Gbagbo.
Osinbajo, a respected statesman and advocate of democratic governance, previously led international observer missions to Sierra Leone, where he championed transparency and peaceful electoral processes. His experience in mediating political dialogue and promoting institutional integrity has earned him recognition across Africa.
Osinbajo’s leadership in the Côte d’Ivoire mission is viewed as a strategic move by ECOWAS to strengthen confidence in the region’s democratic institutions.
