Sixty-six years ago, Côte d’Ivoire seized its destiny under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Today, as the nation commemorates its independence, we reflect not only on the past but on the future we must collectively build. Through the voice of Yaya Fofana, the Movement of Future Forces (MFA) delivers a powerful message to the youth, urging them to embrace work, training, discipline, and rigor as the pillars of national progress.

Honoring the architects of independence

The legacy of 1960 extends beyond political freedom. It is a living contract renewed daily through unity, loyalty, and shared sacrifice. The MFA pays tribute to the founding fathers—President Houphouët-Boigny and President Henri Konan Bédié—whose leadership laid the foundation for a united Côte d’Ivoire. Equally, respect is owed to the Defense and Security Forces, whose unwavering commitment safeguards peace, stability, and development. Their efforts, particularly in combating terrorism and ensuring the integrity of the 2025 elections, deserve our deepest gratitude.

A united Côte d’Ivoire, from Yopougon to every region

The choice of Yopougon as the host for official ceremonies carries profound symbolism. It underscores a truth the MFA has long championed: Côte d’Ivoire has no political divides. From Daloa to San-Pédro, Korhogo to Odienné, the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and unity. The message is clear—every Ivorian, regardless of origin, is a stakeholder in the country’s future.

From political independence to economic sovereignty

In 1960, our forefathers won political sovereignty. Now, the challenge is to achieve real sovereignty—economic, monetary, agricultural, industrial, digital, and cultural. The MFA outlines a bold roadmap: by 2030, Côte d’Ivoire aims to process 50% of its cocoa and 40% of its cashew locally. This industrial transformation, coupled with digital and media sovereignty, will ensure our narratives and decisions are shaped in Abidjan, not abroad.

Growth must translate into tangible benefits

While macroeconomic progress is commendable, the MFA emphasizes that growth must be felt in everyday life. Affordable housing, job creation for youth, and support for the informal sector—employing eight out of ten Ivorians—are critical. Proposals include 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, 500,000 formal jobs for those under 35, and a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Generational transmission and institutional renewal

The MFA welcomes the President’s commitment to generational transmission, a promise rooted in openness, inclusivity, and preparation for the future. This demands concrete actions: integrating young professionals into leadership, increasing women’s representation, and reforming the Electoral Commission to ensure balanced representation. Elections must be peaceful, and Côte d’Ivoire needs continuators, not heirs.

Houphouëtism: unity in diversity

“True Houphouëtism does not divide; it unites.” This philosophy celebrates Côte d’Ivoire’s ethnic and cultural mosaic—Baoulé, Dioula, Sénoufo, Bété, Agni, and many others—as the strength of the nation. The MFA calls for a return to the spirit of dialogue, forgiveness, and collective construction, ensuring no region or community is left behind.

The MFA’s role in the RHDP: loyalty with a reformist spirit

As a founding member of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), the MFA remains steadfast in its loyalty to President Alassane Ouattara. Our fidelity is active, constructive, and rooted in ideas—not blind obedience. We seek full reinstatement in the party’s leadership, not as a demand but as a necessity for coherence and justice. Serving the RHDP means serving Côte d’Ivoire.

A call to youth, diaspora, and West Africa

To the youth, who form the majority of the population, the MFA delivers a resounding message: choose Côte d’Ivoire. Embrace hard work, rigorous training, and discipline. For the diaspora, a new era of integration beckons—streamlined banking, incentives for productive investment, fair access to public contracts, and political representation. Côte d’Ivoire stands at the heart of a resurgent West Africa. The MFA advocates for a renewed ECOWAS, capable of restoring dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and positioning our nation as a mediator in regional peace efforts.

A prayer for the nation

Ivorian women and men, our independence is a sacred oath. We renew it today for the fallen soldiers, their families, and the wounded who safeguard our peace. To the silent pillars of our society—our women—your resilience lights our path. The MFA’s sole ambition is to give back to Côte d’Ivoire what it has given us: a united republic, a vibrant fraternity, and a shared future. Let us honor this promise with action, courage, and unwavering hope.

May God bless Côte d’Ivoire. May He bless its Defense and Security Forces. May He bless every daughter and son of this land, near and far.

Happy Independence Day to all Ivorians.

Long live the Republic! Long live Côte d’Ivoire!