KIGALI, Rwanda

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara announced Tuesday he would run for a fourth term in the presidential election scheduled on Oct. 25.

His announcement came weeks after he was officially nominated as a candidate by the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace party.

“After careful consideration and in good conscience, I announce to you today that I have decided to be a candidate in the presidential election of Oct. 25, 2025,” he said in a statement.

Ouattara said he decided to run again because the country’s constitution allows him, and on account of “prevalent, unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges, the management of which requires experience.”

Ouattara, 83, has been in power since 2011.

Former President Laurent Gbagbo of the opposition African People’s Party of Ivory Coast (PPACI) has been barred from taking part in the election over a criminal conviction.