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.