Abidjan, July 24, 2026 (AIP) – Adama Bictogo, the mayor of Yopougon, will embark on a nationwide tour on Saturday to meet with militants from four political parties represented in his constituency as part of preparations for the upcoming 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence, scheduled for August 7 in this autonomous district of Abidjan.

According to a press release sent to AIP on Friday by Bictogo’s office, the tour will take him to meet with militants from the Congress of African Peoples for Justice and Equality (COJEP), the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire-Rassemblement Democratic Africain (PDCI-RDA), the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) and the Front Popular Ivoirien (FPI).

The day will begin at 11am with a meeting with COJEP militants in Kouté. Bictogo will then head to Sicogi Vegas at 3pm to meet with PDCI-RDA militants, followed by a visit to the RHDP headquarters at 4pm and finally end the tour at Maroc Kimi quarter at 5pm with a meeting with FPI militants.

This initiative fits into the inclusive mobilization drive launched by the Yopougon National Festival Committee, which aims to bring together all political sensitivities in the commune to ensure the success of this historic event.

The choice of Yopougon as the host city for Côte d’Ivoire’s independence celebration takes on a particular significance for this city, considered a reflection of the country’s diverse political and social landscape. Through this initiative, organizers aim to turn the national holiday into a moment of reunification beyond partisan affiliations.

The tour also seeks to strengthen community involvement, particularly among militants and residents in different neighborhoods, in preparing for this celebration that will mobilize the entire commune.

This action follows a dynamic launched on July 13, when the festival committee brought together representatives from RHDP, PDCI-RDA, FPI and COJEP to establish commissions responsible for preparing festivities.

During this meeting, Bictogo emphasized the need for coordination to ensure the success of the event. ‘Achieving our goals requires a unified command,’ he said, urging the various formations to prioritize a ‘discourse of peace and unity.’

Bictogo also stressed that this collective mobilization should not be perceived as benefiting one party over another, saying ‘it benefits us all.’ He added that it is time for the community to come together.

Ahead of August 7, Bictogo’s nationwide tour appears to be an effort to build momentum around a common goal: making Yopougon’s first-ever independence celebration a moment of unity, communion and national pride.