In anticipation of the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) conducted a pre-electoral mediation mission from July 7 to 11, 2025. This mission aimed to encourage a peaceful political climate, strengthen dialogue among stakeholders, and promote a credible and inclusive electoral process.
Led by Dr. Boni Yayi, former President of Benin, the high-level delegation also included Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria; Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former President of ECOWAS; Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, a renowned governance expert; and Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Forum.
During the five-day mission, the delegation met with several key actors of the Ivorian political and institutional landscape, including the Vice-President of the Republic, members of the Constitutional Council, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), presidential candidates, the Minister of the Interior, as well as civil society organizations.
The WAEF praised the warm welcome extended by the authorities and the willingness to engage in dialogue expressed by all interlocutors. This approach is in line with the strategic meeting held by the WAEF in Accra in October 2024, which focused on preventing electoral crises in the sub-region.
Through this mission, the Forum reaffirms its commitment to peace, democracy, and inclusive governance, working to prevent tensions ahead of the Ivorian elections. The Forum urged all stakeholders to maintain dialogue, seek consensus, and refrain from hate speech, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric. Elections, according to WAEF, must be based on ideas, not divisions.
The Forum commended the ongoing efforts by the CEI and security forces to ensure a transparent and secure electoral process. It also encouraged more open communication to strengthen public trust in institutions. The role of the Constitutional Council in safeguarding constitutional order was also acknowledged.
In its statement, the WAEF addressed a special message to the youth, urging them not to allow themselves to be manipulated for acts of violence. “Today’s Côte d’Ivoire belongs to you, and tomorrow’s depends on you,” the statement reads. The Forum thus calls on young people to engage constructively and peacefully.
While acknowledging the country’s economic progress, the Forum stressed the need for greater political maturity. It encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to learn from the past, promote peaceful transitions, and build a stronger democracy in service of national cohesion.
Finally, the WAEF committed to remaining by the side of the Ivorian people throughout the electoral process, offering its good offices whenever necessary, to preserve peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire and across the West African region.
