Ivory Coast Gen Zers run low on patience as 83-year-old president runs for fourth term | Fortune

"Placide Konan has been using his slam poetry shows to speak out against Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara's bid for a fourth term in Saturday's election. The 33-year-old in the capital, Abidjan, told The Associated Press he is frustrated by hardship in the country. Despite being one of West Africa's economic powerhouses and the world's largest cocoa producer, it has growing inequality and a poverty rate of 37.5%. More than three-quarters of the population is under 35. "People can no longer make ends meet, Konan said. "You have to be very lucky, or a bit of a magician, to be able to live comfortably," he said of the vibrant port capital, which still basks in its role as host of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations."

"Analysts say the 83-year-old Ouattara is likely to win and extend his rule that began in 2011. Key opposition leaders have been disqualified, including former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam. A local court ruled that Thiam had French nationality, which Ivorian law does not allow for presidential candidates. He rejected the decision as foul play and gave up his French nationality in March."

"The ban on key opposition leaders has prompted protests that authorities have tried to block. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested, with some sentenced to prison. The government has restricted public gatherings and deployed more than 40,000 security personnel. At least three people have been killed. Critics say the government has exploited legal provisions to weaken the opposition, and the"

Placide Konan uses slam poetry in Abidjan to oppose President Alassane Ouattara's bid for a fourth term and expresses frustration over widespread hardship. Ivory Coast remains a West African economic powerhouse and the world's largest cocoa producer, yet inequality is rising and 37.5% of people live in poverty, with over three-quarters under 35. Analysts expect Ouattara, 83, to likely win after key opponents were disqualified, including Tidjane Thiam over nationality claims. Authorities have restricted gatherings, arrested hundreds, deployed more than 40,000 security personnel, and at least three people have been killed amid fears of election violence.

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