Yopougon prepares for 66th independence day with inclusive political tour

Yopougon, Côte d’Ivoire — In the lead-up to the 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence on August 7, Deputy Mayor Adama Bictogo is set to launch a sweeping political tour across his constituency. The initiative, commencing this Saturday, July 25, 2026, aims to unite activists from four major political parties ahead of the national celebration.

a cross-party mobilization drive

According to an official statement from his office, Adama Bictogo’s itinerary will cover grassroots supporters of the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality (COJEP), the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), and the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI). This inclusive approach underscores the broader mission of the Yopougon National Celebration Organizing Committee, which seeks to transform the event into a unifying moment transcending partisan divides.

The day-long tour begins at 11:00 AM with a gathering of COJEP activists in Kouté, followed by a 3:00 PM stop at Sicogi Vegas for discussions with PDCI-RDA members. Later, at 4:00 PM, Bictogo will meet with RHDP leaders at their headquarters, concluding the day’s engagements at 5:00 PM in the Maroc Kimi district with a meeting of FPI supporters.

yopougon as a symbol of national unity

The selection of Yopougon as the host of this year’s independence festivities carries special significance. The commune, known for its vibrant political and social diversity, has become a focal point for national cohesion. Organizers are determined to leverage this moment to foster harmony and collective pride, ensuring the celebration reflects the country’s rich pluralism.

Beyond symbolism, the tour plays a practical role in rallying local participation. It aims to deepen grassroots involvement, engaging militants and residents across neighborhoods in the preparations for an event that will unite the entire commune.

building consensus for a shared celebration

This initiative follows a July 13 meeting where representatives of the RHDP, PDCI-RDA, FPI, and COJEP convened to establish preparatory committees. At that gathering, Adama Bictogo emphasized the critical need for unified coordination to guarantee success. “Achieving our goals requires a single chain of command,” he stated, urging all parties to prioritize messages of peace and togetherness.

He further cautioned against interpreting the mobilization as favoring any one political group. “This effort benefits us all equally,” Bictogo noted, highlighting how collective action elevates every participant. With the August 7 milestone approaching, this political tour stands as a pivotal step toward transforming the first-ever independence day celebration in Yopougon into a powerful display of national unity, pride, and shared destiny.