Address to the Nation by President Alassane Ouattara on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s Independence

President Alassane Ouattara – Thursday, August 6, 2026

Ivorians, my dear compatriots, dear friends of Côte d’Ivoire,

This Friday, August 7, 2026, our beloved Côte d’Ivoire celebrates the 66th anniversary of its independence. This commemoration represents an important moment of unity around the values that form the foundation of our Republic.

August 7 is first and foremost a day of remembrance and gratitude. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the founding fathers of our nation, President Félix Houphouët-Boigny and his companions in the struggle for independence, as well as to all those who, since 1960, have devoted their intelligence, work and sometimes their lives to building our country.

August 7 is also a day of tribute. I wish to express my deep appreciation and congratulations to our Defense and Security Forces, whose professionalism and strong sense of duty ensure peace and security across our entire territory every day.

I also wish to pay tribute to all the vital forces of our nation: our farmers, workers, traders, entrepreneurs, teachers, healthcare workers, civil servants, craftsmen, artists, young people, women, and all those who, in every village, neighborhood and municipality, often working in the shadows, contribute to the progress of our country. This National Day celebration belongs to you.

This year, we are celebrating in Yopougon, a municipality that represents the energy of our youth, the diversity of our people, and the dynamism and vitality of modern Côte d’Ivoire. After the city of Bouaké in 2025, the return of the National Day celebration to Abidjan reflects our desire to make it a moment of shared unity between the political and economic capitals and the cities across the country.

This demonstrates our conviction that development must reach all parts of the national territory and support the emergence of dynamic regional hubs, in line with our ambition to build a more balanced and united Côte d’Ivoire.

The President also addressed:

• Recent challenges, including deadly floods, climate change and geopolitical tensions.

• Government responses, including investments in drainage and sanitation infrastructure, social housing programs, and investigations into illegal evictions.

• The country’s economic strength and continued efforts to improve access to water, electricity, healthcare, education and employment.

• The launch of the National Development Plan 2026-2030 and the Strategic Sovereign Development Fund (FSD-CI).

• The reform of electoral governance following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), aimed at strengthening transparency and democratic trust.

• A measure of clemency: a presidential pardon granted to 2,064 inmates and sentence reductions for 2,597 others, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,661 people.

Finally, he called for unity and confidence:

“The Great Côte d’Ivoire we aspire to build will be the result of the work, talent, commitment and confidence of an entire people.”

The President concluded by inviting Ivorians to take part in the grand parade on August 7, 2026, in Yopougon, and declared:

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