West Africa: Tensions in Ivory Coast Amid Outtara Reelection Bid

Political and Economic Context - Ivory Coast is facing civil unrest due to President Ouattara's plan to seek a fourth term, which is against Ivorian law [1][2] - Several potential candidates, including former Credit Suisse executive Tidjane Thiam, have been barred from running for office, increasing political tension [3] - Investors are concerned about the impact of political instability on the economy, which is the second largest in West Africa [3] Economic Performance and Risks - The World Bank indicates that Ivory Coast has been the fastest-growing economy in Africa, with an average growth rate of 8.2% over the past ten years [6] - Cocoa prices are fluctuating, and instability could negatively impact the country's reliance on cocoa exports [7][8] - Political instability could deter investment in Ivory Coast, where significant development has been ongoing [9] Regional Stability - Ivory Coast has been an example of stability in a region with considerable instability in neighboring countries [10] - The upcoming elections and potential for violence are a concern, as previous elections have turned violent [4]