Valérie Yapo Case: Court Refers Decision to Substantive‌ Judge

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (AP) — A court in Abidjan has deferred a decision in the case between Valérie Yapo and Tidjane Thiam, president of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), to a substantive judge.The decision came after a⁢ hearing Friday,april 11,2025.

Lawyer Explains Court’s Reasoning

Alain Bokola, Yapo’s lawyer, explained the court’s decision. ​”The judge in​ summary proceedings ‍indicated that the substantive​ judge had​ already been seized of the same causes and objects,” Bokola⁣ said. “She motivated her decision, stating that it was necessary to refer to the substantive judge, who will address⁤ the case on April ⁤24.”

According to Bokola, the ⁢judge chose not to rule on the merits of the‌ case to avoid interfering with the upcoming​ hearing.

Incompetence Declaration, Not a Defeat

“To adhere to the April⁣ 24 date, the judge could not prejudice the⁢ background of the case,” bokola stated.”Therefore, she declared herself incompetent. This is not a defeat.⁢ She declared herself incompetent to stick to the main procedure of April 24, so as not to anticipate ‍decisions​ that will be made on ⁢that ‌date.We adhere to that.”

Client Expectations for April 24 Hearing

Bokola reiterated Yapo’s expectations for the ‌April ‍24 hearing, specifically regarding measures against Thiam. “Our client ⁤should be automatically reinstated, as there is no⁢ valid decision sanctioning her,”⁣ Bokola ‍said.”We consider the⁢ previous decision⁣ canceled.”

He added, “On April 24, ⁣she seeks measures not only for her reinstatement ⁢but also to address the alleged illegality of⁢ Mr. Thiam’s actions and to sanction him. We will pursue all of this on April 24, 2025, as the ⁣judge in summary proceedings indicated.”

PDCI-RDA Lawyers Respond

Lawyers for the PDCI-RDA, including Ange Rodrigue Dadjé, welcomed the ⁣court’s decision.‍ They believe Yapo has lost the initial legal challenge against the party and its president,Tidjane Thiam.