In a bid to safeguard peace ahead of the October 2025 presidential election, the Issia Municipal Youth Union has launched a campaign urging young people to act as “ambassadors of peace.”
The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, August 30, 2025, seeks to promote non-violence and strengthen community cohesion during a politically sensitive period.
Speaking to dozens of participants gathered in the town hall, Union President Gbra Yoro Michèl Elysée emphasised the importance of putting the city “above political and geopolitical differences.”
He added that the campaign’s purpose is to “preserve stability and democratic achievements” and to foster dialogue that unites rather than divides communities.
“This initiative encourages young people to adopt peaceful discourses and act responsibly before, during, and after the elections,” Elysée explained, highlighting the role of youth in preventing political tensions from escalating.
The campaign forms part of the broader “Elections without Gbagban” initiative, coordinated by the National Federation of Communal Youth Unions of Côte d’Ivoire (FENUJECI). The operation aims to mobilise youth across the country to prevent electoral violence and promote democratic engagement at the grassroots level.
FENUJECI officials noted that local campaigns like Issia’s are critical in building awareness among young voters, who represent a significant portion of the electorate. By encouraging peaceful participation, organisers hope to reduce incidents of intimidation, clashes, and disputes linked to political contests.
Participants at the launch pledged to act as mediators within their communities, ensuring that discussions around the election remain civil and that differences are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The organisers stressed that non-violent engagement is not only a civic responsibility but also a safeguard for long-term stability and democratic integrity in the region.
With the presidential election approaching, initiatives like Issia’s campaign reflect a growing emphasis on youth-led peacebuilding efforts, positioning young Ivorians as key actors in maintaining societal harmony and reinforcing democratic norms ahead of the vote.
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