In Côte d'Ivoire, a significant event is planned to promote peace and social cohesion. SEM Ambroise Kessié, president of the Regional Council of Peace Ambassadors of Gôh and vice-president of the World Organization of Experts (OMEX), has called on political actors and Ivorians to prioritize dialogue and social cohesion. This appeal comes amid tensions surrounding the reform of the electoral body and concerns about illegal gold mining.
The Peace Ambassadors of Gôh, part of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), aim to promote peace and social cohesion in the region. The UPF, launched in 2005 in the United States by Reverend Sun Myung Moon, seeks to overcome racial, national, religious, and political divides to promote peace globally. Kessié emphasizes that this commitment must translate into concrete actions on the ground, including sensitizing populations, preventing conflicts, and promoting dialogue between communities.
The Peace Ambassadors have undertaken several initiatives to promote peace and social cohesion in the Gôh region. They have sensitized and trained populations, with 60 community leaders formed to promote social cohesion and peaceful resolution of disputes. These leaders are also encouraged to prioritize dialogue in resolving community disputes. Additionally, in 2024, 21 Peace Ambassadors were accredited by the Independent Electoral Commission to supervise the electoral process in the Gôh-Djiboua zone.
The Peace Ambassadors have also participated in a national tour aimed at contributing to the organization of a peaceful presidential election. Kessié notes that these initiatives demonstrate the organization's commitment to preventing tensions and consolidating peace in Côte d'Ivoire. To further this goal, a major peace march is planned for November 7, 2026, in Gagnoa, ahead of the National Peace Day.
The march aims to strengthen peace sensitization and consolidate the impact of peace initiatives in the Gôh-Djiboua district. A ceremony will follow the march, where around 50 cadres from different departments in the district will be honored. The organizers seek to mobilize forces around the values of peace, solidarity, and civic responsibility. Kessié emphasizes the need for dialogue as a primary instrument for preventing and resolving conflicts.
Kessié also addressed the tensions between the government and opposition regarding the establishment of a new electoral body. He called on political leaders to be responsible and not compromise national stability or undermine the Republic's achievements. Kessié stressed that differences should be a strength, not a weakness, and urged leaders to adhere to building an inclusive Côte d'Ivoire.
Finally, Kessié recalled the legacy of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who always advocated for dialogue in seeking a just and lasting peace. He emphasized that preserving peace requires constant effort, political will, and commitment from all components of society. The planned peace march and ceremony are crucial steps towards promoting peace and stability in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- A major peace march is planned for November 7, 2026, in Gagnoa to promote peace and social cohesion.
- The Peace Ambassadors have trained 60 community leaders to promote social cohesion and peaceful resolution of disputes.
- Kessié called on political leaders to prioritize dialogue and responsibility to ensure national stability and peace.
