The pre-campaign phase for Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), has taken a notable turn with the public involvement of his partner, Marie-Soazic Geffroy. The former Morgan Stanley banker made a public appearance in mid-October, signaling her commitment to Thiam’s campaign, even as the official presidential race is yet to begin.
A Partner Committed to the Cause
During a gathering with the PDCI’s Urban Women’s Union, Marie-Soazic Geffroy addressed the attendees, encouraging them to register to vote and take an active part in reclaiming power. “When women get involved, things progress. I am ready to support Tidjane Thiam and the PDCI in 2025,” she said, highlighting her intention to play a direct, supportive role in the presidential campaign.
Rising Tensions with Jean-Louis Billon
However, Tidjane Thiam’s path to the October 2025 presidential election is not without challenges. Since taking the helm of the PDCI at the end of 2023, Thiam has faced internal tensions, particularly with Jean-Louis Billon, a former Ivorian Minister of Trade. Billon, who has also expressed presidential ambitions, refuses to rally behind Thiam. This rivalry has led some senior members of the PDCI to initiate reconciliation attempts, so far without success. During a lunch at Le Comptoir restaurant in Abidjan earlier in October, party delegates attempted to persuade Billon to support Thiam in order to strengthen unity against the ruling party, the RHDP.
Support from Family and Strategic Allies
Tidjane Thiam relies on a strong network of family and allies. His sister, Yamousso Thiam, a well-known figure in Côte d’Ivoire, and other close associates like Sita Coulibaly, president of the PDCI’s Urban Women’s Union, play central roles on his campaign team. According to sources, Geffroy herself encouraged Thiam to enter politics as early as 2020, though his first attempt was unsuccessful. Since then, she has frequently appeared alongside him at both public and private events, such as a May 2022 lunch with President Alassane and First Lady Dominique Ouattara.
A Pre-campaign that Turns Heads
Marie-Soazic Geffroy’s support includes significant symbolic gestures. At her first public appearance in Côte d’Ivoire, she wore traditional Baoulé queen ornaments, a tribute to local customs. This move caught the attention of observers, as it differs from historical precedents where spouses of prominent politicians, like Thérèse Houphouët-Boigny and Henriette Bédié, typically stayed out of the public eye.
Implications and Prospects for the Presidential Race
The rise of Marie-Soazic Geffroy in Thiam’s pre-campaign could shift the Ivorian political landscape. Her involvement may strengthen popular engagement, particularly among women, projecting an image of modernity and international openness while affirming the campaign’s local roots. However, tensions with Jean-Louis Billon pose the risk of internal division within the PDCI, potentially weakening the party against the firmly established RHDP.
The evolution of this pre-campaign, supported by influential personalities and an international network, could prove decisive in shaping the PDCI’s political direction—and potentially, the political configuration of Côte d’Ivoire for years to come.
© 2024 – O Bulamba / Africa Daily Report
