Ivorian 2025 presidential elections frontrunner Tidjane Thiam, has officially relinquished his French citizenship, potentially clearing a major hurdle in his bid for the presidency.
A decision published in France’s official journal on Thursday confirmed that Thiam had been “released from his allegiance to France” after requesting to surrender his French passport.
Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral law mandates that presidential candidates must hold only Ivorian nationality.
Thiam, 62, a former Credit Suisse CEO, was elected leader of the opposition PDCI party in 2023 and is expected to be a key contender in the October election. However, challenges to his candidacy remain, including a lawsuit questioning the legitimacy of his PDCI leadership due to his prior dual nationality.
The case, currently being heard in an Abidjan court, has been adjourned until April. Analysts say Thiam’s final eligibility may hinge on the Constitutional Council’s ruling in August.
Meanwhile, internal competition persists within PDCI, with former trade minister Jean-Louis Billon also seeking the party’s nomination.