Catholic Entities in Ivory Coast Call for Non-Violence Ahead of October 25 Presidential Election

Abidjan, 24 October, 2025 / 8:20 PM

The Episcopal Commission for Justice, Peace, and the Environment in Ivory Coast and the National Laity Council are urging young people to reject violence and become agents of peace ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Thursday, October 23, the National Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Justice, Peace, and the Environment appealed to the conscience of Ivorian youth about their future in light of the socio-political situation prevailing in the country.

“Young Ivorians, do you want to live in a country of peace, a country that will allow you to pursue better studies, grow, succeed, and take your place in society? Or do you want a country reduced to ashes?” Fr. Eric Norbert Abékan posed.

Fr. Abékan drew attention to conflicts in other parts of Africa that force young people to flee their countries, risking their lives while at it.

“The media show us countries completely in ruins, and many African youths flee Africa because there is war everywhere. Unfortunately, many die at sea, under the Sahara sun, in the desert. It is painful,” he said.

The Parish Priest of St. Jacques des Deux Plateaux Parish of the Archdiocese of Abidjan pleaded with the youth to choose peace over violence, saying, “Young men and women, I implore you, in the name of Christ, to choose non-violence as a mode of advocacy.”

Citing iconic figures who achieved their goals through non-violent means, he said, “Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and, closer to us, Nelson Mandela all used non-violence to transform the lives of their brothers, peoples, and nations. This is the path you should follow, young friends.” 

He encouraged young people to wield the “weapons of peace” instead of instruments of war.

Meanwhile, the National Laity Council of Ivory Coast (CNL-CI) has also called for civic responsibility ahead of the polls.

“We urge all Catholic faithful and Ivorian citizens to exercise their right to vote in peace and with freedom of conscience, without manipulation or coercion; to reject all forms of violence, corruption, tribalism, and hatred, which are contrary to the Gospel and republican values; to seek informed and critical understanding, rejecting fake news and divisive rhetoric; and to make electoral choices based on values such as truth, justice, human dignity, peace, and integral development,”  CNL-CI president, stated Marc Aka Krou told ACI Africa on October 23.

Mr. Aka reminded political parties, candidates, and electoral institutions that “peace is not a matter of chance, but the result of a firm commitment to justice and truth.”

“May the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) honor its commitments to fairness, neutrality, and transparency, in order to build the trust of the people. Let public discourse remain peaceful, without divisions or insults, and let every citizen be respected in their dignity,” he said.

Mr. Aka called on Catholics to engage in prayer and maintain hope, saying, “We invite all Catholic faithful to carry the nation of Ivory Coast in prayer throughout the electoral process, so that the Holy Spirit may enlighten consciences and guide our country on the paths of reconciliation, peace, and shared prosperity.”