Context:

Tidjane Thiam, a former finance executive and the chosen candidate for Ivory Coast's Democratic Party for the upcoming presidential election, faces disqualification due to a court ruling on his nationality. The court decided he lost his Ivorian citizenship decades ago when he acquired French nationality, despite having renounced it earlier this year, which obstructs his candidacy. This decision reflects Ivory Coast's return to identity politics, reminiscent of past political tensions that have historically led to conflict. The situation raises concerns over the lack of significant opposition in the upcoming elections, potentially deepening public disillusionment with the political system. Meanwhile, the broader West African context shows contrasting democratic progress, with some countries successfully transitioning power through fair elections, highlighting Ivory Coast's unique political challenges.

Dive Deeper:

• Tidjane Thiam, a high-profile business leader, returned to Ivory Coast after decades abroad and was positioned as a leading contender to succeed President Alassane Ouattara in the upcoming elections. However, a court ruling has disqualified him based on the loss of his Ivorian citizenship when he took French nationality.

• Thiam's candidacy offered a promising alternative to the ruling party, with his technocratic credentials and centrist politics potentially continuing the economic progress seen under Ouattara's administration since 2011. Yet, the court's decision halts this trajectory, removing him from the race.

• The ruling has reignited issues of identity politics in Ivory Coast, reminiscent of the 'ivoirité' law that previously barred Ouattara from presidential candidacy, contributing to past civil unrest and division within the country.

• The exclusion of Thiam and other opposition figures from the election could lead to an unchallenged run for Ouattara or his chosen successor, exacerbating the public's disillusionment with the political process and reducing democratic choice.

• In the wider West African context, other countries like Senegal and Liberia have recently demonstrated successful democratic transitions, contrasting with the political stagnation and identity-driven disputes currently seen in Ivory Coast.

• Despite the legal setback, Thiam and his supporters hope for political negotiation or popular pressure that might allow his re-entry into the presidential race, while President Ouattara may consider intervening to maintain his international reputation and legacy.

• The broader implications for Ivory Coast's political landscape are significant, as the country is a regional economic powerhouse and its political stability impacts the West African region and the wider francophone Africa community.