Ivorian citizens,

On August 7, 1960, under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire claimed its place among the community of independent nations. Sixty-six years later, as the nation gathers beneath the orange-white-green flag, we honor those who laid the foundations of our country and reaffirm our shared commitment to its future. The Forces d’Avenir Movement, through my voice, extends its deepest gratitude to the Ivorian people across all regions and to our compatriots living abroad.

Honoring the visionaries and defenders of the nation

Independence was not merely a historical milestone; it was a living commitment renewed daily through diligence, unwavering patriotism, and national unity. The MFA pays tribute to President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, President Henri Konan Bédié, and all those—known and unknown—who contributed to building our nation.

Echoing this year’s theme, “Defense and Security Forces at the service of peace, unity, and development,” the MFA expresses profound respect for our Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, Police, Customs, Forestry Service, and every institution safeguarding the Republic. Special recognition goes to our 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 symbol of a united nation

The choice of Yopougon as the venue for this year’s official celebrations carries significant political meaning. It underscores a truth the MFA has consistently championed: Côte d’Ivoire knows no political divides. There are no “enemy” territories, no regions to punish—only a shared national heritage. Whether in Yopougon, Daloa, Korhogo, San-Pédro, Bondoukou, or Odienné, the heartbeat of Côte d’Ivoire remains the same.

From political independence to full sovereignty

In 1960, our elders secured political independence. Today, it falls upon us to achieve real sovereignty—economic, monetary, agricultural, energy, industrial, digital, and cultural. The MFA proposes a clear path forward: raising local cocoa processing to 50% and cashew processing to 40% by 2030, backed by a robust national industrial plan. Twenty-first-century sovereignty also demands digital and media independence, ensuring that our narratives, history, and debates are shaped from within our own borders rather than dictated from abroad.

Social justice: making growth tangible for all

While Côte d’Ivoire’s macroeconomic performance deserves praise, the MFA emphasizes that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in daily life. A stronger nation is measured not just in GDP figures but in accessible housing, affordable transportation, quality education, accessible healthcare, and rising household incomes.

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

Generational transmission and institutional renewal

The December 8, 2025 inauguration of the President of the Republic marked a commitment to generational transmission. The MFA embraces this promise with optimism and stands ready to support it. This requires concrete actions: opening leadership roles to professionals trained since 2011, ensuring genuine gender representation in decision-making, and systematically preparing the next generation of leaders.

It also calls for reforming the Electoral Commission according to the “three-thirds” principle—balancing government administration, political parties, and civil society. A consensual institution is the best safeguard for peaceful elections. Côte d’Ivoire does not need heirs; it needs continuators. To transmit is not to surrender but to extend oneself into something greater.

The true spirit of Houphouëtism unites

The MFA reaffirms: “The true Houphouëtism does not divide; it unites.” It listens, forgives, and builds. The North, South, East, West, and Center of our country are the five fingers of a single hand. Malinkés, Dioulas, Sénoufos, Baoulés, Bétés, Agnis, Attiés, Guérés, Peulhs, Krobous, and all ethnic groups form the indivisible fabric of Côte d’Ivoire.

MFA’s commitment within the RHDP: loyalty with purpose

The Forces d’Avenir Movement stands as 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 active, reformist, and grounded in ideas. When necessary, it includes fraternal counsel—not out of subservience or rebellion, but out of constructive commitment.

The MFA has paid its dues through unwavering activism and political discipline to build the RHDP. We have never renounced the founding principles of the Houphouëtist movement. That is why we continue, with calm resolve and respect for party institutions, to pursue full reinstatement of the MFA within the RHDP leadership. This is not a fleeting demand or a quest for positions—it is a call for memory, coherence, and internal justice, essential for any enduring political alliance.

To RHDP militants, elders, allies, and partners, the MFA reaffirms its full availability to serve. We will continue contributing our doctrinal fidelity, reformist drive, and deep roots in communities and youth. For the MFA, serving the RHDP means first and foremost serving Côte d’Ivoire.

A call to youth, diaspora, and West Africa

To our youth—who form the majority of this nation—the MFA delivers this message: you are not spectators of August 7th parades; you are the heirs and the architects of this legacy. Choose work, choose training, choose discipline, choose rigor. Choose Côte d’Ivoire.

To our diaspora—our nation’s extension across the globe—the MFA advocates for an ambitious public policy of integration centered on concrete measures: cross-border banking solutions, tax incentives for productive investment, equitable access to public tenders, and adapted political representation.

Côte d’Ivoire is a pivotal link in a rising West Africa. The MFA calls 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 an economic and security imperative.

A prayer for the nation

Ivorian women and men,

Independence is a vow. We renew it today in the memory of our elders, in the aspirations of our children, and in the hopes of those yet unborn. To our fallen soldiers, their families, the wounded, and veterans: your sacrifice is not forgotten. To Ivorian women, the silent pillars of our nation: your courage lights our way.

The MFA’s sole ambition is to give back to Côte d’Ivoire what it has given us: a standing Republic, a vibrant fraternity, and a shared future. This is our contribution to the national oath.

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!

Abidjan, August 4, 2026

Yaya Fofana
Ivorian citizen