Bondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire – On Saturday, May 23, 2026, a pivotal capacity-building workshop convened in Bondoukou, where Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio, the departmental delegate for the National Youth Council of Côte d’Ivoire (CNJCI), urged youth leaders and associative officials to adopt a responsible stance on political matters. The event took place at the regional headquarters of the Youth Directorate in this vibrant Ivorian locality.
Centered around the theme, “Animating Associative Life and Youth Leaders Facing Politics: What Stance?”, this crucial gathering aimed to cultivate a generation of responsible young people. The objective was clear: to foster commitment to peace and strengthen social cohesion, particularly vital within Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving sociopolitical landscape.
Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio underscored the foundational role of organizations like the CNJCI, highlighting their direct collaborative relationship with government administrations. He emphasized that every leader must grasp their responsibilities and exemplify an upright attitude towards both the state and society at large.
Furthermore, Kouadio articulated that youth organizations should serve as vital frameworks for civic guidance and act as key partners for public administration in championing civility, dialogue, and harmonious coexistence across communities.
Adding his perspective, Kouacou Désiré, the regional director for Gontougo’s Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, stressed the imperative of developing leaders capable of invigorating their associations effectively. He particularly highlighted the importance of these leaders maintaining neutrality amidst political tensions.
“Simply holding the title of association president is insufficient. It is essential to breathe life into your organization, unite young people, and spearhead initiatives that genuinely contribute to the progress of our communities,” Kouacou Désiré asserted.
The workshop also aimed to bolster the capabilities of associative actors in critical areas such as responsible leadership, effective dialogue, organizational management, and the crucial prevention of political manipulation within youth movements.
Representing the Prefect of the Gontougo region and Bondoukou department, Gnaihi Hugues commended the initiative. He recognized its significant contribution to positioning the youth as a genuine catalyst for social stability and national development in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Our youth represent an invaluable asset for our nation. They must be a driving force for social cohesion, peace, and active civic participation,” Gnaihi Hugues declared, encouraging all participants to fully embrace the insights shared during the various sessions.
The workshop featured several impactful interventions, including a presentation on animating associative life delivered by Jean Pierre Kouassi, a compelling testimony on associative engagement from Gla Serge, and an insightful panel discussion on the appropriate stance for youth leaders in politics, expertly guided by Pascal Kouamé.
This significant event concluded with the official presentation of the local CNJCI bureau. It brought together a diverse group of attendees, including numerous youth presidents from local neighborhoods and villages, various associative leaders, student representatives, and dedicated actors committed to promoting civility and community leadership throughout the Gontougo region.
