ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — President Alassane Ouattara has commemorated Côte d’Ivoire’s 65th Independence Day with a nationally televised address from Bouaké, spotlighting reconciliation, economic resilience, and inclusive development.
Delivering his speech from Bouaké—a city he described as “at the heart of our recent history”—Ouattara emphasized the symbolic significance of hosting the celebration there for the first time since 1964. He framed the choice as a gesture of “rebirth, unity, and rediscovered brotherhood,” signaling a renewed commitment to national cohesion.
Development Gains and Infrastructure Expansion
The president outlined key achievements over the past decade, citing restored peace and security as foundations for progress. He highlighted improvements in access to drinking water and electricity, alongside major investments in education and healthcare infrastructure. Road development, he noted, has played a critical role in connecting regions and boosting economic activity.
Economic Relief Measures
Responding to growing concerns over the cost of living, Ouattara announced new social measures aimed at strengthening household purchasing power. Beginning January 2026, civil servants will see their year-end bonus increase from one-third to two-thirds of their basic monthly salary. Retirees will receive a similar adjustment starting September 2025.
He urged private sector employers to follow suit, encouraging broader efforts to support workers amid economic pressures.
Empowering Women and Youth
Ouattara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, spotlighting the Fund to Support Women of Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI), which has benefited over 420,000 women entrepreneurs. He also praised the Government Youth Program, which has reached more than one million young people with employment and training opportunities.
Clemency and Democratic Assurance
In a gesture of national reconciliation, the president announced clemency measures affecting 8,533 detainees. Of these, 2,087 will receive full presidential pardons, while 6,446 will benefit from sentence reductions.
Looking ahead, Ouattara pledged that the upcoming presidential election would be conducted peacefully and transparently, reaffirming Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to democratic stability and reassuring both citizens and international partners
