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.
