Abidjan: With the 25 October 2025 presidential election looming, Côte d’Ivoire stands at a critical juncture, facing both political anticipation and underlying tensions. In response, the Ivory Coast National Justice, Peace, and Environment Commission, spearheaded by the Church, has launched a proactive campaign to promote peace and civic responsibility ahead of the polls.
The initiative, a series of public conferences held at the Episcopal Conference offices, operates under the evocative theme: “Ivory Coast, Land of Peace and Hope.” The program is designed to foster dialogue, discourage electoral violence, and inspire citizens to participate in a democratic process rooted in harmony rather than division. Approximately 9 million Ivorians are expected to cast their votes for the country’s next President, who will serve a five-year term.
Fr. Norbert-Eric Abekan, Executive Secretary of the National Justice, Peace, and Environment Commission, emphasized the Church’s proactive role. “Our goal is to stimulate debates, create conditions for in-depth reflection, and raise awareness among citizens about their responsibility as architects of peace and harmony,” said Fr. Abekan.
The initiative reflects the Church’s recognition of the growing political and social polarisation in the country, which has historically manifested in periods of electoral tension. By positioning itself at the forefront of civic education, the Church hopes to cultivate a culture where political engagement is inseparable from ethical responsibility and national unity.
The inaugural conference featured a keynote by Professor Henri Bah, philosophy lecturer at Alassane Ouattara University of Bouake. Titled “Ethno-religious Issues and Dimensions in the Ivory Coast Presidential Election: The Difficult Construction of a Nation Through the Ballot,” the lecture explored the complex intersections of ethnicity, religion, and politics.
Professor Bah highlighted that the nation’s electoral history is often shaped by ethnic and religious affiliations, creating tensions that undermine trust in state institutions and divert attention from pressing social and economic concerns. He warned that multi-party democracy, while a political milestone, has sometimes exacerbated societal divisions, turning voting into an expression of community loyalty rather than collective citizenship.
Despite these challenges, Professor Bah offered a blueprint for hope. His recommendations included the promotion of civic and critical education, the nurturing of a new generation of political leaders, and the cultivation of a culture of coexistence and empathy. He urged Ivorians to transcend political, ethnic, and religious divides to forge a society defined by unity, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bah called for the construction of an open society where ethnicity and religion no longer serve as political instruments. “Every Ivorian must be a key actor in building a Côte d’Ivoire reconciled with itself and capable of advancing as a strong nation, where the common good is elevated above all else,” he said.
As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its pivotal October election, the Church-led initiative serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deliberate, collective commitment one that begins with dialogue, reflection, and shared responsibility.