66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire: Yaya Fofana urges youth to embrace work, training and discipline
The 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence is more than a historical milestone — it is a call to action for every Ivorian. On August 7, 1960, our nation rose under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny to claim its place among sovereign states. Six decades and six years later, we gather not just to celebrate a past achievement, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a thriving, united future for all.
Honoring the founders and defenders of the nation
The Movement of Future Forces, through its spokesperson Yaya Fofana, pays tribute to the visionaries who secured our independence and to the generations who have defended it. Among them stand President Félix Houphouët-Boigny and President Henri Konan Bédié, whose legacies continue to shape our national identity. We also honor the men and women of our Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, Police, Customs, Forestry and Water Services — those who stand guard over peace, unity and progress day and night.
Special recognition goes to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism in northern Côte d’Ivoire, and to the professionalism of our security forces during the October 2025 elections. Their courage is the foundation upon which our nation’s stability is built.
The power of unity: Yopougon as a symbol of national cohesion
The decision to host the 66th independence ceremonies in Yopougon sends a powerful message: Côte d’Ivoire is not divided by political geography. From Yopougon to Daloa, from Korhogo to San-Pédro, from Bondoukou to Odienné, one heartbeat unites all regions. The Movement of Future Forces emphasizes that there are no political strongholds to conquer, no territories to punish — only one shared destiny as Ivorians.
From political independence to real sovereignty
Our founding generation won political freedom in 1960. Now, it is our responsibility to achieve real sovereignty — in economics, currency, food, energy, industry, digital innovation and culture. The Movement of Future Forces proposes a bold vision: by 2030, Côte d’Ivoire will process 50% of its cocoa and 40% of its cashew locally, supported by a robust national industrial strategy. True sovereignty in the 21st century also means controlling our digital and media narratives, ensuring that our stories, history and debates are shaped by Ivorians, for Ivorians.
Social justice: making growth visible in daily life
While Côte d’Ivoire’s macroeconomic performance is widely praised, the Movement insists that growth must be felt where it matters most — in the home, at the market, on the road, in the classroom, in healthcare and in the wallets of families. Concrete goals include: building 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, creating 500,000 formal jobs for youth under 35 in the next five years, protecting the informal sector that sustains eight out of ten Ivorians, and establishing a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (PME).
Generational transfer: building a lasting legacy
The promise of generational transmission, made by the President of the Republic on December 8, 2025, is a cornerstone of national renewal. The Movement of Future Forces supports this vision with determination. It demands action: opening leadership roles to younger cadres trained since 2011, ensuring real gender representation, and methodically preparing the next generation of leaders. The Movement also calls for a redesigned Electoral Commission based on the three-third principle — involving administration, political parties and civil society — to restore public trust in elections. Côte d’Ivoire doesn’t need heirs — it needs continuators who build upon the work of others.
Houphouëtism: a unifying philosophy
“True Houphouëtism does not divide — it unites.” This principle remains central to our national cohesion. The North, South, East, West and Center are not rival regions; they are the five fingers of one hand. The Malinkés, Dioulas, Sénoufos, Baoulés, Bétés, Agnis, Attiés, Guérés, Peulhs, Krobous and all of Côte d’Ivoire’s diverse communities form a single, indivisible nation. The Movement reaffirms its faith in this unity and calls on all citizens to uphold it.
The Movement of Future Forces within the RHDP: loyal, active and reform-minded
The Movement of Future Forces is a founding member of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). Our loyalty is rooted in conscience, inspired by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, carried forward by President Henri Konan Bédié and now aligned with President Alassane Ouattara. This loyalty is neither passive nor unquestioning. It is expressed through ideas, constructive proposals and, when necessary, fraternal counsel. It is loyal, demanding and forward-looking.
The Movement has contributed significantly to the construction of the RHDP through militant commitment and political discipline. It has never strayed from the founding act of this historic alliance. Today, it continues its efforts to restore its full place within the party’s leadership structures — not out of opportunism, but from a deep sense of memory, coherence and internal justice. Without these values, no major political movement can endure.
To the militants of the RHDP, to our elders, to our allies and partners, the Movement reaffirms its total availability to serve. It will continue to bring its doctrinal fidelity, reformist vision and deep roots in the regions and among the youth. For the Movement, serving the RHDP means serving Côte d’Ivoire first and foremost.
A call to youth, diaspora and West Africa
To the youth of Côte d’Ivoire — the majority of our population — the Movement has a clear message: you are not spectators of the August 7 parade; you are its heirs and its architects. Choose work, training, discipline and rigor. Choose Côte d’Ivoire.
To the Ivorian diaspora, our nation’s bridge to the world, the Movement advocates for an ambitious integration policy: cross-border banking access, tax incentives for productive investment, equitable access to public tenders and adapted political representation. Your talent and resources are vital to our development.
Côte d’Ivoire is a central link in a rising West Africa. The Movement supports a renewed ECOWAS capable of rebuilding fraternal dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — our Sahelian brothers — and calls for Côte d’Ivoire to play an active role in regional mediation. Regional integration is not a diplomatic luxury; it is a vital condition for economic and security survival.
A prayer for the nation
Today, we renew our independence pledge — to the memory of our ancestors, to the dreams of our children and to the hope of generations yet unborn. To the fallen soldiers, to their families, to the wounded and veterans: your sacrifice is etched in our hearts. To the Ivorian women, the silent pillars of our nation: your courage guides us.
The Movement of Future Forces commits itself to one mission: to repay Côte d’Ivoire by building a nation that stands tall, a fraternity that lives strong, and a future that is truly shared. This is our part of the national oath.
May God bless Côte d’Ivoire. May God bless its Armed and Security Forces. May God bless its daughters and sons, here and abroad.
Happy Independence Day to all.
Long live the Republic! Long live Côte d’Ivoire!
