In Bondoukou, a pivotal gathering brought together youth leaders and civil society representatives to address a pressing concern: how to foster responsible political engagement among young people in Côte d’Ivoire’s Gontougo region.
The workshop, held on May 23, 2026, at the regional Youth Affairs office in Bondoukou, was themed « Youth Associations and Leadership in Politics: Crafting the Right Approach ». Its primary goal was to equip young leaders with the tools and mindset needed to champion peace, civic duty, and social cohesion in a politically charged environment.
Building a framework for responsible youth leadership
Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio, the departmental delegate of the National Council of Youth of Côte d’Ivoire (CNJCI) in Bondoukou, set the tone for the event. He underscored the importance of youth organizations acting as pillars of responsible citizenship while maintaining close collaboration with public authorities.
« The CNJCI exists to bridge the gap between young people and the government, » Kouadio stated. Leaders must recognize their roles not just as representatives of their peers but as exemplars of integrity and accountability in the eyes of both the state and society. »
He emphasized that youth associations should remain neutral spaces, free from political manipulation, while serving as trusted partners in promoting civic values, dialogue, and national unity.
Empowering associations to drive community development
Kouacou Désiré, the regional director of the Ministry of Youth, Professional Integration, and Civic Service in Gontougo, echoed these sentiments. He stressed that merely holding a leadership position within an association is not enough—what matters is the ability to breathe life into the organization.
« Leadership is not a title; it’s about action, » he noted. It means rallying young people, launching initiatives that benefit local communities, and ensuring your association remains a force for progress rather than division. »
Désiré also highlighted the need for training on responsible leadership, organizational management, and political neutrality, all of which are critical in preventing youth movements from being exploited for partisan purposes.
Local authorities rally behind youth empowerment
The event drew participation from local officials, including Gnaihi Hugues, the regional prefect and departmental prefect of Bondoukou, who praised the initiative for its role in transforming youth into agents of stability and development.
« Our youth are an invaluable asset to this nation, » he said. They must be at the forefront of building social cohesion, fostering peace, and upholding civic responsibility. This workshop provides them with the knowledge and motivation to do exactly that. »
The workshop featured a series of dynamic sessions, including:
- A keynote on strengthening youth associations led by Jean Pierre Kouassi;
- A motivational talk on community engagement by Gla Serge;
- A panel discussion on youth leaders and political responsibility, moderated by Pascal Kouamé.
The gathering also served as the official launch platform for the newly formed local CNJCI bureau, bringing together presidents of youth associations from neighborhoods and villages across the Gontougo region. Students, civil society activists, and advocates for civic and community leadership also took part in the event.