Charles Ble Goude, a prominent Ivorian political figure and leader of the Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples COJEP, has intensified efforts to reenter the political arena ahead of Ivory Coasts upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 25 2025. Despite signaling intentions to run, Ble Goudes name was omitted from the provisional electoral list released by the Independent Electoral Commission CEI on March 17 2025.

The exclusion stems from a past Ivorian court conviction, which sentenced him to 20 years in prison and ten years of civil rights deprivation, alongside a fine of 200 million CFA francs. This sentence stands in contrast to his 2019 acquittal by the International Criminal Court ICC for crimes against humanity during the 2010–2011 postelection crisis. His political ally, former President Laurent Gbagbo, was also left out of the provisional voter list, triggering widespread condemnation from their supporters.

Ble Goude has since declared his intent to contest the exclusion through legal mechanisms, making use of a 15day objection period starting March 22. A final decision from the CEI is expected by June 20 2025. The matter has sparked growing opposition backlash, with multiple parties accusing the government of suppressing democratic participation ahead of the vote.

In response, several opposition leaders including Simone Gbagbo and Pascal Affi NGuessan have united to form the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation CAP aimed at promoting electoral reform and ensuring fair competition. The coalition has raised concerns over the neutrality of the electoral commission and is demanding greater transparency in the electoral process.

Meanwhile in Cameroon, the death of John Fru Ndi, the founder and longtime leader of the Social Democratic Front SDF, has left a leadership vacuum in one of the countrys major opposition parties. Fru Ndi passed away on June 12 2023 at the age of 81 after battling a long illness. Known for challenging President Paul Biyas decadeslong rule, Fru Ndi was a central figure in advocating for democratic reform and the rights of the Englishspeaking minority.

Following his death, Joshua Osih assumed leadership of the SDF. However, the party has faced internal struggles and reduced influence in the national political landscape. The opposition in Cameroon remains fragmented ahead of the October 2025 presidential election, where President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, is expected to seek another term.

With the passing of a key opposition figure and the continuing pressure on activists and party leaders, the Cameroonian opposition faces an uphill battle to mount a united and effective challenge to Biyas longstanding rule. Civil society groups and youthled initiatives are increasingly seen as potential catalysts for change in the absence of strong party structures.

Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon stand at crucial political junctures with their upcoming elections set to test the resilience of democratic institutions and the possibility of peaceful political transition.