Hiré, Côte d’Ivoire – Hiré Mayor Gilbert Francis Kacou has announced his departure from the ruling Houphoutist Rally for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party. The announcement, made on June 24th, 2024, sees Kacou return to the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI).
Kacou’s decision has sent shockwaves through the local political landscape. The RHDP’s departmental secretariat in Hiré-Zego convened an emergency meeting on June 30th to address the situation. In a subsequent statement, the party leadership “acknowledged” the mayor’s choice but made a clear distinction.
Elected in September 2023 with the RHDP’s backing, Kacou now finds himself at odds with his former allies. The party’s statement distanced itself from the mayor, emphasizing that departmental structures and grassroots leaders no longer recognize him as a member.
This move carries significant weight. By disavowing their former comrade, the RHDP has effectively called for Kacou’s resignation as mayor. The statement concludes with a direct request: “the RHDP Hiré-Zego commune asks him to resign as mayor of the commune of Hiré.”
