Sixty-six years ago, Côte d’Ivoire claimed its place among sovereign nations under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. This milestone anniversary, celebrated around the nation’s tricolor flag, serves as both a tribute to the architects of our independence and a call to action for every Ivorian.
The Movement for the Forces of the Future (MFA), represented by its president Yaya Fofana, extended warm greetings to the Ivorian people and the diaspora during these historic commemorations. In a message that resonated across the country, the MFA emphasized the values that have sustained the nation through six decades of progress.
Honoring the architects of the nation
The struggle for independence was not merely a political act but a collective endeavor that united all Ivoirians regardless of their origins. The MFA paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, including Houphouët-Boigny and Henri Konan Bédié, whose leadership laid the foundation for the Côte d’Ivoire we know today.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s celebrations — “Defense and Security Forces serving peace, unity and development” — the MFA expressed deep gratitude to the nation’s military, gendarmerie, police, customs officers and forestry services. Special recognition was given to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism in the northern regions, as well as to the professionalism demonstrated during the October 2025 elections.
Yopougon as a symbol of national unity
The selection of Yopougon as the official venue for this year’s ceremonies carried profound significance. It underscored a fundamental truth: Côte d’Ivoire has no regions divided by politics. Whether in Yopougon, Daloa, Korhogo, San-Pédro, Bondoukou or Odienné, the same national heartbeat unites all Ivoirians.
From political independence to full sovereignty
While the independence of 1960 secured political freedom, the MFA stressed the urgent need to achieve real sovereignty in all spheres — economic, monetary, food, energy, industrial, digital and cultural. The movement proposed ambitious targets, including raising local cocoa processing to 50% and cashew processing to 40% by 2030, anchored in a comprehensive national industrial plan. Digital and media sovereignty were highlighted as essential to ensure that Côte d’Ivoire’s narratives and debates are shaped by its own citizens, not external influences.
Making growth tangible for every household
While acknowledging the country’s strong macroeconomic performance, the MFA insisted that true progress must be measured in tangible terms: affordable housing, accessible education, reliable healthcare, improved transportation and increased purchasing power for families. The movement advocated for building 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, creating at least 500,000 formal jobs for youth under 35 in the next five years, strengthening the informal sector that supports eight out of ten Ivorians, and establishing a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Generational renewal and institutional reform
The MFA welcomed the President’s commitment to generational renewal, first sworn in December 2025. This vision requires concrete actions: opening party structures to younger leaders trained since 2011, ensuring genuine gender representation in leadership, and methodically preparing the next generation of leaders. The movement also called for reforming the Electoral Commission to include balanced representation from administration, political parties and civil society — a structure that would guarantee peaceful and credible elections. The message was clear: Côte d’Ivoire needs continuators, not mere heirs.
The true spirit of Houphouëtism
The MFA reaffirmed its belief that the true spirit of Houphouëtism — the ideology of President Houphouët-Boigny — is inherently unifying. It listens, forgives and builds. The nation’s diverse ethnic groups — Malinkés, Dioulas, Sénoufos, Baoulés, Bétés, Agnis, Attiés, Guérés, Peulhs, Krobous and others — together form one indivisible Côte d’Ivoire.
MFA’s role in the RHDP: loyalty with purpose
The Movement for the Forces of the Future has been a founding member of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) since its inception. The MFA’s loyalty is rooted in conscience, not blind obedience. It draws from the legacy of Houphouët-Boigny, transmitted through Henri Konan Bédié, and is now carried forward with President Alassane Ouattara. This loyalty is active, reformist and constructive — it offers ideas, makes proposals and, when necessary, delivers fraternal warnings. It is neither subservient nor rebellious, but loyal, demanding and forward-looking.
The MFA has consistently contributed through militant commitment and political discipline to the construction of the RHDP. It has never betrayed the founding principles of the houphouëtist movement. The movement continues to pursue, with serenity and respect for party institutions, the full rehabilitation of the MFA within the RHDP leadership. This is not a matter of opportunistic demands or personal ambitions, but a matter of memory, coherence and internal justice — essential pillars for the longevity of any major political movement.
A call to youth, diaspora and West Africa
To the youth of Côte d’Ivoire — who form the majority of the population — the MFA delivered a powerful message: you are not mere spectators to the August 7th parade; you are the heirs and the builders of this nation. Embrace work, training, discipline and rigor. Choose Côte d’Ivoire.
To the diaspora, who extend the nation across continents, the MFA advocated for a bold public policy of integration, including cross-border banking, tax incentives for productive investment, equitable access to public tenders and appropriate political representation.
Côte d’Ivoire stands at the heart of a rising West Africa. The MFA called for a renewed ECOWAS capable of restoring fraternal dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — brother states of the Sahel — and positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a key mediator. Regional integration is not a diplomatic luxury; it is a vital condition for economic survival and security.
A national pledge renewed
Dear fellow Ivorians, independence is a sacred vow. We renew it today in honor of our elders, in service of our children and in hope for generations yet unborn. To the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for the nation, to their families, to the wounded and veterans — your sacrifice will never be forgotten. To the Ivorian women, the silent pillars of our society, your courage guides our path.
The MFA’s only ambition is to repay Côte d’Ivoire for all it has given us: a nation standing tall, a living fraternity and a shared future. This is our portion of the national oath.
May God bless Côte d’Ivoire. May God bless its Defense and Security Forces. May God bless its sons and daughters, here and abroad.
Happy Independence Day to all Ivorians.
Long live the Republic!
Long live Côte d’Ivoire!
Abidjan, August 4, 2026
Yaya Fofana
Ivorian citizen