During and , President Ouattara managed to solidify his rule, a feat that was anything but assured in a country plagued by years of violent conflict and profound political divisions, particularly after the contentious and violent presidential elections in The reemergence of his adversary, the once-acquitted but still immensely popular former President Gbagbo, further complicated the situation.
However, despite these obstacles, the Ouattara government successfully achieved a level of political stability and effectively thwarted the infiltration of Jihadism into the nation. It began with the enforcement of a constitutional reform that was pushed through, leading to a controversial presidential election where all opposition candidates were either excluded or chose to boycott the polls.
There is little effort to engage societal actors or promote inclusive policymaking. Despite these challenges, political stability has been maintained through sustained economic growth and significant investments in infrastructure development. This was thanks to domestic reforms in administration and key economic sectors, as well as substantial public investment in rural infrastructure, education, and health care. Favorable conditions, including initially high world prices for cash crops, also contributed to this success.
While the government has been active on multiple fronts, the effectiveness of some reform areas has been limited, particularly in promoting small and medium enterprises, the informal sector, and enforcing anti-corruption policies.
Additionally, a significant gender gap persists in both the political and economic sectors. During recent global crises, the government has demonstrated its ability to swiftly implement confinement measures, combat inflation, and provide support for disadvantaged groups and sectors.
