President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast has called on the nation’s youth to come out in full force for the upcoming presidential election, presenting himself as the candidate most dedicated to their future.
Addressing thousands of supporters at a lively campaign rally in Abidjan on Saturday, the 83-year-old leader said he remains focused on improving the lives of young people through job creation, education, and entrepreneurship. “I have always been committed to offering the best to our youth, so that you can start businesses, work, learn, and be independent,” he said.
The October 25 election comes at a tense political moment. Several prominent opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam, were disqualified from running, a move critics say was aimed at clearing the path for Ouattara’s fourth term.
Ivory Coast, a West African nation of 32 million and one of the region’s largest economies, has witnessed protests over the bans, with security forces cracking down and hundreds of demonstrators detained or sentenced to jail.
Ouattara’s supporters, however, say his leadership has delivered progress and stability. His 2016 constitutional reform, which removed presidential term limits, has drawn controversy but also strengthened his political advantage ahead of the polls.
At the Abidjan rally, his message resonated strongly with young attendees. “The president has done a lot for young people, and we want him to continue,” said Florine-Auxane Loukou Bledja, a youth leader in the ruling party.
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Ouattara has pledged to prioritize security, economic growth, and youth empowerment if reelected, asserting that his government remains the best choice for Ivory Coast’s continued development, AP reported.
