Yopougon, 24 July 2026 — The mayor of Yopougon, Adama Bictogo, will embark on a sweeping political tour this Saturday, 25 July 2026, engaging militants from four key political groups ahead of the 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s Independence, set for 7 August in the district.
The initiative, outlined in a press release from his office, will see Bictogo meet with representatives of the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality (COJEP), the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire–Rally of the Republicans (PDCI-RDA), the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), and the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI).
A day of inclusive dialogue
The itinerary begins at 11:00 AM with a gathering of COJEP militants in Kouté, followed by a session at 3:00 PM with PDCI-RDA members in Sicogi Vegas. The tour continues at 4:00 PM with a meeting at the RHDP headquarters, concluding at 5:00 PM in the Maroc Kimi neighborhood with FPI activists.
This coordinated effort aligns with the Yopougon National Celebration Committee’s inclusive strategy, designed to bridge political divides and ensure broad participation in the historic event.
Yopougon as a symbol of unity
The choice of Yopougon as host for the Independence Day festivities carries deep significance, reflecting the district’s political and social diversity. Organizers aim to transform the celebration into a unifying moment, transcending partisan loyalties and fostering national pride.
The tour underscores a broader push to involve grassroots communities—militants and residents alike—in preparing for the celebrations, which will engage the entire district.
From planning to action
The initiative follows a 13 July meeting where representatives from RHDP, PDCI-RDA, FPI, and COJEP convened to establish preparatory committees. During that session, Bictogo emphasized the need for unified coordination to guarantee success.
« Achieving our goals requires a single command structure, » he stated, urging all parties to prioritize a « message of peace and unity. » He also clarified that the mobilization should not favor any single political group, stressing its collective benefit: « This effort elevates us all, not just one party. »
With the 7 August festivities approaching, this political tour represents a pivotal step toward a unified celebration—one that celebrates communion, solidarity, and national pride.