Côte d’Ivoire is on the brink of political upheaval as former President Laurent Gbagbo has broken his silence, vehemently opposing the prospect of a fourth term for the current president. In a passionate address, Gbagbo condemned attempts to extend presidential mandates beyond the constitutional limit of two, declaring, “I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!” His remarks come amid growing tensions within the political landscape, as the ruling party pushes for a candidate to run again, prompting fears of a constitutional crisis.

Gbagbo’s fiery speech resonated with thousands of supporters, who rallied in response to his call for resistance. He emphasized the need for unity against what he described as a blatant disregard for the nation’s independence. “A free country must remain free,” he asserted, drawing applause from the crowd, as he reiterated that Ivoirians should not accept a leader attempting to circumvent the law for personal gain.

The former president’s comments reflect widespread discontent with the current administration’s actions, including the arrest of opposition members. Gbagbo urged his supporters to take to the streets in protest, stating, “If they march for a fourth mandate, we will march every day to say no!” His defiance has reignited fears of civil unrest as he vowed to stand firm against any attempts to alter the political landscape for selfish ambitions.

As the nation holds its breath, the question remains: will the government heed the call for a fair political process, or will it push forward, risking a confrontation with an increasingly mobilized populace? The coming days will be critical for Côte d’Ivoire as political tensions reach a boiling point, and the future of its democracy hangs in the balance.