25 October, 2025

As Ivorians head to the polls on Saturday, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former President of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged Ivorians to maintain peace, law and order, not only to protect Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic achievements but also to preserve the environment that has enabled economic growth and regional leadership.

In a statement issued in Abidjan following a series of high-level consultations with national stakeholders, Dr. Jonathan urged all Ivorians to safeguard the country’s hard-earned democratic gains and preserve the enabling environment that has driven its economic transformation and regional leadership.

“Peace is the foundation upon which progress is built,” Dr. Jonathan said. “Côte d’Ivoire has made remarkable strides in governance and development. It is therefore vital that citizens ensure that the elections are peaceful, transparent, and credible.”

The WAEF delegation—which has been engaging the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the Constitutional Council, the Ministry of Interior, political leaders, and civil society groups—commended the spirit of dialogue demonstrated by all stakeholders and reaffirmed its confidence in the Ivorian people’s resilience and commitment to democracy.

Dr. Jonathan also urged the CEI and security agencies to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and integrity throughout the electoral process, underscoring that credible elections are key to sustaining public trust and national stability.

“We encourage every Ivorian to remember that elections should unite, not divide,” he added. “By choosing peace, Ivorians are choosing stability, prosperity, and the continued advancement of their nation.”

The Forum emphasized that maintaining peace and order is not only a national responsibility but a continental necessity—essential for strengthening democratic governance and promoting sustainable development across West Africa.

“The West African Elders Forum stands firmly with the people of Côte d’Ivoire,” Dr. Jonathan affirmed. “With peace and unity, the nation will continue to shine as a beacon of democracy and progress in our region.”

The West African Elders Forum, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), continues to champion dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and leadership solidarity across the sub-region—working to ensure that democracy and peace remain the cornerstones of Africa’s development.

Signed:
Ikechukwu Eze
Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan