“Fight with weapons of prayer”: Catholic Bishops to Ivorians head of Presidential Poll

Abidjan, 25 October, 2025 / 3:51 PM

As Ivorians head to the polls to vote for a new President amid growing sociopolitical tension, Catholic Bishops in the West African nation have called on citizens to remain calm and to turn to prayer and fasting.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 25, members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast (CECCI) urged Christians to pray for peace and unity during the October 25 polls, warning against the risk of renewed violence.

“Faced with the gravity of the situation, let us fight with the weapons of prayer and fasting,” CECCI members said in the statement that was shared with ACI Africa.

They added, “Let us pray and implore our God, who always answers the cries of His children in distress.”

“Let us not forget that our duty is to be a model of the hope promised to humanity. Let us continue our intercession through the ‘prayer for peace in Ivory Coast,” the Catholic Church leaders said.

The October 25 poll comes amid widespread anger over incumbent President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to run for a fourth consecutive term. 

Under the Constitution, presidents may only serve a maximum of two terms. However, Ouattara argues that a major constitutional change implemented in 2016 “reset” his limit. In the weeks preceding the presidential vote, sporadic demonstrations have broken out across Ivory Coast following the exclusion of several prominent contenders from the race — most notably Tidjane Thiam, the main opposition leader. Former President, Laurent Gbagbo is also among those barred from this year’s presidential race.

Lamenting the tense atmosphere in the country, the CECCI members warned that the current situation was reaching a dangerous point.

“The fire is lit. The blaze is smoldering. How long will this last?” they posed, urging political leaders to “act responsibly and to prioritize national harmony over partisan interests.”

The Catholic Bishops appealed to all stakeholders in the electoral process to avoid violence and to respect the principles of justice, peace, and human dignity.

“To prevent this period from becoming a repetition of the painful events of previous decades, we, your brothers, the Archbishops and Bishops of Ivory Coast, have continually reached out to you, calling in the name of the Lord for justice, peace, respect for the law, and the sanctity of human life,” CECCI members said.

They expressed regret that their repeated appeals for peace had not been fully heeded by political actors, saying, “Alas! We had hoped to be heard, yet the current situation presents a most distressing picture. There have already been deaths, arrests, imprisonments, injuries, and widespread material damage.’

While mourning those who have lost their lives and extending compassion to grieving families, the CECCI members prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and comfort for those imprisoned, recalling the words of Christ:

They called on all Ivorians to ‘embrace peace, justice, and fraternity,’ reaffirming that lasting stability can only be achieved through “moral integrity and faith in God.’

Justin Assalé contributed to the writing of this story.