Tidjane Thiam, the former Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse, has formally renounced his French citizenship, a strategic move to position himself as a candidate in Côte d’Ivoire’s forthcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2025.

Thiam, aged 62, was elected leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) in December 2023, securing 96.48% of the votes against his sole opponent, Jean-Marc Yacé. His recent decision to relinquish his French nationality aligns with Ivorian constitutional mandates, which stipulate that presidential candidates must hold solely Ivorian citizenship.

Prior to his tenure in international finance, Thiam served as Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development until a military coup in 1999 prompted his departure from the country. His subsequent career encompassed roles at McKinsey & Company, Aviva, and Prudential, culminating in his appointment as CEO of Credit Suisse in 2015.

Despite his renunciation of French citizenship, Thiam’s political aspirations face legal scrutiny. A former PDCI official has contested his party leadership, asserting that his election was invalid due to his possession of dual nationality at the time. Court documents indicate that this challenge is currently under judicial review, with proceedings adjourned until April.

The incumbent president, Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, has yet to declare his intentions regarding a potential fourth term. This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape as the election approaches.

Côte d’Ivoire has experienced significant economic growth following a period of civil unrest in the early 2000s, re-establishing itself as a leading economy in West Africa. The upcoming election is anticipated to be pivotal in determining the nation’s future trajectory.