Ivorian citizens,

The 7th of August 1960 marked a turning point in our nation’s history, as we broke free from colonial rule under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Today, 66 years later, we gather around our tricolor flag to honor those who laid the foundation for modern Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirm our collective commitment to its future. The Movement of Future Forces, through my voice, extends its deepest respect to the Ivorian people across all regions and to our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.

Honoring the architects of independence and national security

The spirit of independence is not confined to the pages of history; it lives on through the daily dedication of those who uphold the values of hard work, republican loyalty, and national unity. The MFA pays tribute to the legacy of Presidents Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Henri Konan Bédié, as well as the countless unsung heroes who contributed to our nation’s cohesion.

Under this year’s theme, “Defense and Security Forces at the service of peace, unity, and development,” the MFA salutes our Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, Police, Customs, Forestry Services, and all agencies safeguarding our Republic around the clock. Special recognition goes to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism in the northern regions, as well as the professionalism demonstrated during the October 2025 electoral process.

Yopougon: a testament to unified nationhood

The decision to host this year’s official ceremonies in Yopougon sends a powerful message: Côte d’Ivoire has no political strongholds to conquer or territories to punish. From Yopougon to Daloa, Korhogo, San-Pédro, Bondoukou, and Odienné, our nation beats as one. The MFA emphasizes that every region, every community—Malinké, Dioula, Baoulé, Bété, Agnis, Attié, Guéré, Peulh, Krou—is an indispensable thread in the fabric of our indivisible Republic.

From political independence to true sovereignty

In 1960, our forebears secured political freedom. Today, our generation must strive for real sovereignty—economic, monetary, food, energy, industrial, digital, and cultural. The MFA advocates for bold targets: achieving 50% local processing of cocoa and 40% for cashew nuts by 2030, backed by a robust national industrial plan. The sovereignty of the 21st century also demands digital and media independence, ensuring that our narratives, history, and debates are shaped by Ivorians, not outsiders.

Social justice: growth must translate into tangible progress

While Côte d’Ivoire’s macroeconomic achievements are commendable, the MFA stresses that progress must be measured in the daily lives of citizens. Affordable housing, accessible education and healthcare, stable transportation, and improved purchasing power are the true benchmarks of success.

The MFA calls for 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, the creation of at least 500,000 formal jobs for youth under 35 in the next five years, protection of the informal sector—which sustains eight out of ten Ivorians—and the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Generational handover and institutional renewal

The December 2025 inauguration of the President of the Republic included a pledge to facilitate generational transition. The MFA welcomes this commitment and stands ready to support it through concrete actions: opening leadership roles to professionals trained since 2011, ensuring genuine gender representation, and methodically preparing the next generation of leaders.

The MFA also advocates for an electoral commission rebuilt on the principle of three-thirds—comprising administration, political forces, and organized civil society. A consensual institution is the surest path to peaceful elections. Côte d’Ivoire does not need heirs; it needs continuators who build upon the work of their predecessors.

True Houphouëtism: unity in diversity

We reaffirm: “True Houphouëtism does not divide; it unites.” It listens, forgives, and constructs. The North, South, East, West, and Center of our country are the five fingers of a single hand. Together, we form a mosaic of cultures—Malinké, Dioula, Sénoufo, Baoulé, Bété, Agnis, Attié, Guéré, Peulh, Krou—and together, we are Côte d’Ivoire.

The MFA within the RHDP: active loyalty and reform

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, inherited from President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, carried forward by President Henri Konan Bédié, and upheld today alongside President Alassane Ouattara. This loyalty is neither silent nor passive; it is driven by ideas, constructive proposals, and, when necessary, fraternal warnings. It is loyal yet demanding, rooted in the party’s institutions as we seek full reinstatement within its leadership.

This is not a demand born of circumstance nor a quest for positions. It is an insistence on memory, coherence, and internal justice—principles essential for the longevity of any major political movement. To the RHDP militants, our elders, allies, and partners, the MFA pledges its unwavering commitment to serve. We will continue to contribute our doctrinal fidelity, reformist spirit, and deep roots in both our regions and our youth. Serving the RHDP, for the MFA, is first and foremost serving Côte d’Ivoire.

A call to youth, diaspora, and West Africa

To our youth—who represent the majority of our population—the MFA has a clear message: you are not mere spectators of our nation’s journey; you are its heirs and its future. Embrace work, training, discipline, and rigor. Choose Côte d’Ivoire.

To our diaspora, the living extension of our nation across the globe, we urge an ambitious public policy of integration centered on tangible measures: cross-border banking solutions, tax incentives for productive investment, equitable access to public tenders, and adapted political representation.

Côte d’Ivoire is a vital link in a rising West Africa. The MFA advocates for a renewed ECOWAS capable of restoring fraternal dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—our Sahelian brothers—and for Côte d’Ivoire to play an active role in regional mediation. West African integration is not a diplomatic luxury; it is a necessity for our economic and security survival.

A prayer for the nation

Ivorian women and men,

Independence is a vow we renew in honor of our ancestors, the demands of our children, and the hopes of generations yet to come. To our fallen soldiers, their families, the wounded, and veterans, your sacrifice is etched in our memory. To the Ivorian women—the silent pillars of our nation—your courage lights our path.

The MFA’s sole ambition is to repay Côte d’Ivoire for all it has given us: a standing Republic, a living fraternity, and a shared future. This is our pledge to the nation.

May God bless Côte d’Ivoire. May God bless its Defense 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!

Yaya Fofana
Ivorian citizen

Abidjan, 4 August 2026