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

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.

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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.”

Justin Assalé is a Catholic journalist from Ivory Coast. He holds a diploma in communication and advertising. Working for Ivory Coast’s national Catholic radio, he is a correspondent of ACI Africa in Francophone West Africa.