The United Nations Human Rights Committee has declined to grant interim measures requested by former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, who sought suspension of a conviction he argues was irregularly applied to bar him from the electoral list.
Gbagbo petitioned the Committee on July 21, 2025, alleging violations of his civil and political rights under Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
While the Committee did not order immediate suspension of the contested conviction, it reminded Côte d’Ivoire of its obligation to guarantee Gbagbo’s full political rights pending a final decision.
According to his legal team, the ruling places responsibility on the Ivorian state to ensure Gbagbo can freely participate in the October 2025 presidential election and any subsequent vote until the Committee concludes its review.
The decision, though non-binding, draws on international precedent and echoes similar interventions in cases such as that of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Côte d’Ivoire is expected to comply in line with its international commitments and constitutional obligations.
