On the occasion of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day, Yaya Fofana, representing the Forces d’Avenir movement, delivered a powerful message to the nation’s youth. Speaking from Abidjan, he underscored the importance of hard work, professional training, discipline, and unwavering commitment as the pillars of the country’s future. His call resonated with a call to action: prioritize these values to build a strong, prosperous, and united Côte d’Ivoire.
Honoring the architects of independence
The 7th of August marks a pivotal moment in Côte d’Ivoire’s history—the day in 1960 when the nation, under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, broke free from colonial rule. Six decades later, the anniversary serves as both a tribute to the past and a blueprint for the future. The Forces d’Avenir movement paid homage to the founding fathers, including President Henri Konan Bédié, and all those who contributed to the nation’s unity and resilience. Special recognition was given to the Armed Forces and security services, whose dedication ensures peace and stability, particularly in the fight against terrorism in the north and during the 2025 electoral process.
Yopougon as a symbol of national unity
The decision to host the official celebrations in Yopougon carries deep symbolic meaning. It reflects a core truth: Côte d’Ivoire is one nation, without division or exclusion. Whether in Yopougon, Daloa, Korhogo, San-Pédro, Bondoukou, or Odienné, the country’s heart beats as one. This unity is the foundation of progress and development.
From political to economic sovereignty
While 1960 brought political independence, the Forces d’Avenir movement emphasizes that true sovereignty extends far beyond. Economic, monetary, food, energy, industrial, digital, and cultural sovereignty are the next frontiers. The movement proposes bold targets: achieving 50% local processing of cocoa and 40% of cashew nuts by 2030, backed by a robust national industrialization plan. In the digital age, sovereignty also means controlling the narrative—ensuring that Côte d’Ivoire’s story, history, and debates are shaped within its own borders.
Social justice: making growth tangible
Macroeconomic achievements are commendable, but the Forces d’Avenir movement stresses that prosperity must be felt in everyday life. Housing affordability, accessible transportation, quality education, healthcare access, and improved household purchasing power are critical. The movement advocates for 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, the creation of 500,000 formal jobs for youth under 35 in the next five years, and stronger protections for the informal sector, which sustains eight out of ten Ivoirians. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to foster entrepreneurship.
Generational transition and institutional reform
The promise of generational transition, made by the President of the Republic during his December 2025 inauguration, is a step toward modernizing governance. The Forces d’Avenir movement welcomes this initiative and is ready to support its implementation. Key actions include opening leadership roles to younger cadres trained since 2011, ensuring genuine gender representation in decision-making, and systematically preparing the next generation of leaders. The movement also advocates for restructuring the Electoral Commission to reflect a balanced representation of administration, political parties, and civil society—a model that would foster transparent and peaceful elections. The message is clear: Côte d’Ivoire needs continuators, not heirs.
Houphouëtism: a unifying legacy
The Forces d’Avenir movement reaffirmed that true Houphouëtism unites rather than divides. It listens, pardons, and builds bridges across regions and ethnic groups—Bété, Baoulé, Dioula, Malinké, Senufo, Agnis, Attié, Guéré, Peul, Krou, and all others. Together, they form the diverse yet indivisible fabric of Côte d’Ivoire.
Forces d’Avenir’s role in the RHDP: fidelity with purpose
As a founding member of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), the Forces d’Avenir movement remains steadfast in its loyalty to the party and the nation. This loyalty is rooted in the principles of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, reinforced by Henri Konan Bédié, and upheld alongside President Alassane Ouattara. It is a loyalty that is active, reformist, and unyielding in its pursuit of constructive engagement. The movement’s goal is not merely to secure positions but to uphold the integrity and memory of the RHDP. Restoring its full representation within the party’s leadership is both a necessity and a duty—one that ensures the alliance’s longevity and effectiveness.
The Forces d’Avenir movement stands ready to serve alongside allies, partners, and fellow citizens. Its commitment is to bring fidelity to doctrine, a demand for reform, and a deep connection to both regional communities and the youth. Serving the RHDP, in the movement’s view, is synonymous with serving Côte d’Ivoire.
A call to the youth, diaspora, and West Africa
The youth, who make up the majority of the nation, are called upon to embrace their role as both heirs and architects of the future. Choose work, training, discipline, and rigor. Choose Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ivorian diaspora, a vital extension of the nation across the globe, is urged to support an ambitious public policy for integration. This includes cross-border banking solutions, tax incentives for productive investments, equitable access to public tenders, and adapted political representation.
Côte d’Ivoire is a linchpin in a rising West Africa. The Forces d’Avenir movement advocates for a renewed Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), capable of fostering fraternal dialogue with neighboring Sahelian states such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The goal is to strengthen regional economic and security cooperation. Integration is not a diplomatic luxury; it is a vital necessity for survival and progress.
A prayer for the nation
Ivoirians, the independence we celebrate is not merely a historical event—it is a living vow. We reaffirm this promise to the memory of our elders, the dreams of our children, and the hopes of generations yet to come.
To the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the nation, to their families, to the wounded and veterans, your sacrifice is etched in our hearts. To the Ivorian women, the silent pillars of our society, your strength guides us forward.
The Forces d’Avenir movement’s sole ambition is to repay Côte d’Ivoire for all it has given us—a Republic that stands tall, a fraternity that thrives, and a shared future. This is the oath we renew.
May God bless Côte d’Ivoire. May He bless her Armed Forces and Security Services. May He bless her daughters and sons, here and abroad.
Happy Independence Day to all.
Long live the Republic! Long live Côte d’Ivoire!
Abidjan, August 4, 2026
Yaya Fofana
Ivorian citizen
