Ivorian youth urged to embrace work, training and discipline at 66th independence anniversary

As Côte d’Ivoire marks its 66th year of independence, Yaya Fofana, leader of the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir, has delivered a powerful message to the nation’s youth. Speaking during the official celebrations in Yopougon, he called on young Ivorians to prioritize work, professional training, discipline, and rigor as the cornerstones of personal and national progress.

The commemoration, held under the theme “Defense and Security Forces at the service of peace, unity, and development,” served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the nation’s founders and the ongoing efforts of its security forces in safeguarding the country’s stability.

Honoring the legacy of the nation’s founders

The independence of Côte d’Ivoire on August 7, 1960, under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, remains a defining moment in the country’s history. Decades later, the ideals of unity, hard work, and republican loyalty continue to shape the nation’s identity. The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir paid tribute to the founding leaders, including President Henri Konan Bédié, whose contributions to national cohesion are widely recognized.

The celebration also served as a moment to honor the Defense and Security Forces, whose commitment to peace and national security was underscored. Special recognition was given to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism in northern Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the professionalism demonstrated during the 2025 electoral process.

Yopougon as a symbol of national unity

The choice of Yopougon, a vibrant and diverse district of Abidjan, as the host city for the official ceremonies was symbolic. It reinforced the message that Côte d’Ivoire has no political or geographic divisions—only a shared destiny. From Daloa to Korhogo, San-Pédro to Bondoukou, the nation’s strength lies in its unity, with every region playing a vital role in its progress.

From political independence to economic sovereignty

While Côte d’Ivoire achieved political independence in 1960, the challenge now is to attain real economic sovereignty. This includes reducing reliance on raw commodity exports by increasing local processing of cocoa and cashew nuts to 50% and 40% respectively by 2030. The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir advocates for a robust national industrial plan to drive this transformation, ensuring that the country’s wealth benefits its citizens directly.

Additionally, sovereignty in the 21st century extends to digital and media spaces. The nation must reclaim its narrative, ensuring that its stories, history, and debates are shaped by Ivorians themselves, rather than external influences.

Bridging the gap between growth and social justice

Côte d’Ivoire’s economic performance has been widely praised, but the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir emphasizes that growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of its people. Key priorities include:

• Building 200,000 affordable homes by 2030;
• Creating at least 500,000 formal jobs for youth under 35 in the next five years;
• Protecting the informal sector, which sustains eight out of ten Ivorians;
• Establishing a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support entrepreneurship.

Generational transmission and institutional renewal

The promise of generational transmission, made by President Alassane Ouattara in December 2025, has been welcomed by the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir. This initiative calls for concrete actions, including:

• Opening leadership positions to younger generations trained since 2011;
• Advancing gender equality in governance;
• Preparing a structured leadership transition;
• Reforming the Electoral Commission to ensure balanced representation from the administration, political parties, and civil society.

The goal is to ensure that Côte d’Ivoire’s future is shaped by continuators, not inheritors—leaders who will build on the nation’s achievements rather than inherit its challenges.

The enduring spirit of Houphouëtism

The true spirit of Houphouëtism, as articulated by the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir, is one of unity and inclusion. Côte d’Ivoire’s diversity—encompassing ethnic groups such as the Malinkés, Dioulas, Baoulés, and many others—is its greatest strength. The nation’s future depends on embracing this diversity and rejecting divisive politics.

The role of the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir within the RHDP

The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), the political coalition that has guided Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic journey. While remaining loyal to the ideals of President Houphouët-Boigny and President Bédié, the movement also emphasizes the need for internal reform and greater representation within the RHDP’s leadership structures. This is not a quest for power, but a demand for consistency, justice, and the preservation of the movement’s founding principles.

A call to action for youth, diaspora, and regional integration

To the youth of Côte d’Ivoire, Yaya Fofana’s message was clear: you are not just the heirs of this nation—you are its architects. The future of the country depends on your choices: prioritize education, embrace discipline, and commit to building a stronger Côte d’Ivoire.

The diaspora, too, has a vital role to play. The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir advocates for policies that foster their integration, including cross-border banking solutions, tax incentives for productive investments, equitable access to public tenders, and political representation tailored to their contributions.

Côte d’Ivoire also stands at the heart of a renewed West Africa. The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir calls for a revitalized ECOWAS that can rebuild constructive dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—brother nations in the Sahel—to address shared challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation.

A renewed national covenant

As Côte d’Ivoire celebrates its 66th year of independence, the nation reaffirms its covenant with the past, present, and future. The sacrifices of fallen soldiers, the resilience of women, and the aspirations of the youth are the pillars of this commitment. The Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir pledges to contribute to a united, prosperous, and forward-looking Côte d’Ivoire, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

On this historic occasion, the message is clear: the journey of nation-building is far from over. It is a collective endeavor, demanding the dedication of all Ivorians—at home and abroad.

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