Ivory Coast: after Théodore Holo, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné receives Yayi Boni and a delegation from the Forum of Elders

In the absence of President Alassane Ouattara, who is currently in France, it was the number two of the Ivorian executive who led the discussions with the mission. The delegation included high-ranking figures such as Thomas Boni Yayi, former President of Benin, Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, and Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel.

Discussions to Prevent Electoral Crises

“We had a deep exchange about the challenges of our sub-region: stability, democracy, and social cohesion, especially during election periods. Peace is never guaranteed. It must be cultivated, listened to, and built. I deeply believe that West Africa has the human and moral resources to pave its way, in serenity and dialogue”, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné said on social network X.

Created to support member states in preventing conflicts, especially in the electoral context, the Forum of Elders multiplies diplomatic dialogue initiatives and high-level missions to support the democratic processes in the region.

A Regional Context Under Surveillance

This meeting comes at a time of regional tension, marked by fragile political transitions and electoral uncertainties.

It is part of a series of concerted efforts, a few days after the pre-electoral mission of ECOWAS, led by Beninese Théodore Holo, who was also received in Abidjan by Alassane Ouattara and the leaders of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

With crucial electoral deadlines only a few months away in several West African countries, it seems that regional institutions are doubling their initiatives to consolidate democratic gains and avoid setbacks.