President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire emphasized the nation’s sustained developmental path, noting its consistently dynamic economy which boasts one of the highest annual growth rates regionally and globally. This strong performance, he stated, underscores the resilience of its economic fundamentals. His remarks were delivered during his customary address to the Nation on the evening of August 6th, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day commemoration.

Crucially, President Ouattara stressed that such economic achievements are only meaningful if they tangibly enhance the lives of Ivorian citizens. Consequently, he outlined the government’s ongoing commitment to bolster access to essential services, including potable water, electricity, quality healthcare, education, housing, and increasingly efficient public services. He also affirmed a continued focus on employment opportunities, boosting household purchasing power, and safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Further elaborating, Alassane Ouattara articulated an ambitious vision for the coming years: to construct a “Greater Côte d’Ivoire.” This grand objective encompasses not only the expansion of its economy and the significance of its infrastructure but also the superior quality of its development, the shared prosperity of its people, and its prominent standing within Africa and globally. He affirmed that this very aspiration fuels the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which is set to provide fresh momentum for the country’s economic, social, and cultural transformation.

Moreover, President Ouattara expressed satisfaction with the substantial engagement observed during the Consultative Group meeting for PND financing, held on July 8th and 9th. He highlighted this as a powerful indicator of confidence in Côte d’Ivoire, attributing it to the nation’s stability, the credibility of its institutions, and the collective efforts made over several years. The President also underscored the establishment of the Strategic Sovereign Fund for the Development of Côte d’Ivoire (FSD-CI) in April, which reflects a commitment to bolster financial sovereignty and proactively secure the prosperity of future generations. “This new mechanism,” he explained, “will contribute to funding structuring investments, fostering strategic sector development, and supporting the ongoing transformation of our economy.”

Continued institutional modernization

Acknowledging that sustainable development hinges on robust, credible institutions capable of addressing contemporary challenges, Alassane Ouattara stated in his address that Côte d’Ivoire has, over many years, re-established peace, solidified its stability, and strengthened its institutional framework. He added, “This progress naturally compels us to continue modernizing them, ensuring they increasingly meet the demands of our democracy and the expectations of our citizens.”

In line with this philosophy, he noted, “the government has initiated a reform of electoral governance, following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).” This reform, designed to finalize the normalization of the electoral system, represents another stride in the nation’s democratic maturity. The President was unequivocal, asserting, “By more clearly delineating responsibilities related to the logistical organization of elections, vote tabulation, and process observation, we aim to enhance transparency, build greater trust among all stakeholders, and durably strengthen our democracy.” He then urged all citizens to contribute to this modernization effort, thereby advancing democracy within the country while upholding institutional respect.

An appeal to youth, women, entrepreneurs, farmers

Implied that the “Greater Côte d’Ivoire,” a shared national aspiration, will emerge from the collective hard work, talent, commitment, and trust of its people, the Head of State called upon every Ivorian man and woman to “fully embrace opportunities and contribute their energy, talent, ideas, and dedication.”

Addressing the youth, he affirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s belief in their talent, creativity, and capacity to forge new paths. “You are the future and the present of our nation, and nothing we undertake will succeed without you,” he declared. Regarding women, he lauded their courage, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit, which he considers vital forces for national development.

While acknowledging entrepreneurs’ need for boldness, innovative capacity, and willingness to invest to generate greater wealth and employment for the country, the President also recognized farmers as the primary architects of Côte d’Ivoire’s food sovereignty and overall prosperity.

Protecting citizens, upholding human dignity at the core of public action

The Ivorian President further announced that safeguarding citizens, respecting human dignity, and upholding the rule of law will consistently remain central to public policy. Accordingly, operations to clear high-risk zones will continue, strictly adhering to legal frameworks to protect human lives. He stated that he instructed the government to expedite investments in drainage and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen preventative measures, and advance social housing programs.

Regarding eviction operations conducted outside legal parameters, particularly in Koumassi-campement, the Head of State emphasized that thorough investigations are currently underway. He assured the public, “All responsibilities will be established, leading to sanctions mandated by law. In the Côte d’Ivoire we are building, no one can act on behalf of the State outside of its legal framework without facing the consequences.”

Exercising his constitutional prerogatives, the President signed two justice-related decrees, granting freedom to 4,661 common law detainees convicted of minor offenses. Specifically, the first decree granted pardons to 2,064 inmates, while the second provided sentence reductions to 2,597 detainees with less than 36 months remaining on their sentences.

Finally, Alassane Ouattara extended an invitation to the entire population to participate enthusiastically in the Independence Day celebrations, featuring a grand parade in Yopougon. This commune, located north of Abidjan, he remarked, embodies the youthful energy, diverse populace, and the dynamism and vitality of modern Côte d’Ivoire.