Ivory Coast’s ‘Iron Lady’ Emerges from Shadows as Presidential Hopeful!

ele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 13, 2025

Ivory Coast’s ‘Iron Lady’ Emerges from Shadows as Presidential Hopeful

Simone Gbagbo, Ivory Coast’s former First Lady and a prominent political figure, has officially announced her candidacy for the upcoming October 2025 presidential election. Known as the “Iron Lady” for her resilience and political acumen, Gbagbo aims to lead the nation towards reconciliation and modernization.

At 75, Gbagbo was nominated by her political party, the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), during its inaugural convention in Moossou, near Abidjan. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized her commitment to national unity and development, stating, “I would like to make you a bold offer: that of building an Ivory Coast that is totally transformed, modernised and prosperous, in an Africa that is free of complexes, developed, equipped, indispensable, strong and respected by all” [1] .
Gbagbo’s political journey has been marked by both influence and controversy. A former trade unionist and co-founder of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) with her ex-husband, former President Laurent Gbagbo, she played a significant role in the country’s political landscape. Following the 2010-2011 post-election crisis, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity but was granted amnesty in 2018 after serving three years [2] .

Her candidacy comes at a time when other prominent opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, have been barred from the election due to legal and constitutional issues [3] . This positions Simone Gbagbo as a central figure in the opposition, potentially reshaping the political dynamics of the upcoming election.

The 2025 election is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for Ivory Coast, with Gbagbo’s campaign focusing on themes of reconciliation, national development, and the empowerment of citizens. Her return to the political forefront signals a new chapter in the nation’s ongoing journey towards stability and growth.

For more updates on this developing story, visit www.selemedia.org.
Citations:
1.⁠ ⁠Breitbart: www.breitbart.com/news/ivory-coasts-ex-first-lady-to-run-for-president-in-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.⁠ ⁠Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Gbagbo?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.⁠ ⁠Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/ivory-coast-formally-bars-ex-credit-suisse-chief-presidential-race-2025-09-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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David Joshua Oliver

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Oliver David Joshua is a seasoned media professional with a passion for impactful journalism and strategic leadership. As the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of Sele Media Africa, he oversees the organization’s editorial vision, ensuring high standards of truth, balance, and bold reporting. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commitment to excellence, Oliver plays a key role in shaping the voice of Sele Media Africa across the continent. His leadership continues to drive innovation, credibility, and growth in Africa’s digital media space.

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