The Ivoirian Ministry of National Cohesion, Solidarity, and Poverty Reduction, through its Directorate for the Encouragement, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Social Actors, recently organized a meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs) that are members of the Permanent Framework for Consultation and Collaboration. This gathering, which took place in Abidjan-Plateau on October 27, 2026, aimed to promote synergy among various initiatives that enhance national cohesion, consolidate peace, and foster national unity. The meeting was held in preparation for the National Peace Day, scheduled for November 20-21, 2026, in Guiglo.
The meeting's objectives included presenting a synthesis of activities carried out by CSOs from 2025 to mid-2026, coordinating efforts for the success of the National Peace Day, highlighting CSO perspectives for 2027-2030, and making recommendations to strengthen collaboration with the ministry. Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo emphasized that the government values the contribution of CSOs and intends to continue collaborating with them based on trust, responsibility, and effectiveness. She noted that the state cannot address national cohesion challenges alone and requires the support of CSOs, which have proximity to populations, understand local realities, and can prevent tensions.
Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo urged CSOs to make the National Peace Day a moment of strong national mobilization. She stressed that peace should not be a concern only during specific events but a permanent commitment. The minister also highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant against hate speech, communal divisions, and exclusion, which can undermine social cohesion. She encouraged CSOs to help her department better understand citizens' concerns and emphasized that differences should not be a source of division.
Mafélima Dosso, representing the CSOs, expressed gratitude to Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo for her attention to the contribution of CSOs in consolidating peace and national cohesion. Dosso stated that the role of CSOs is not to substitute the state but to reinforce its actions through their proximity to populations, expertise, and capacity to mobilize communities around peace, solidarity, and national unity values. She outlined three priorities for CSOs: strengthening coordination and complementarity of interventions, consolidating dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms, and securing means and ambitions through institutional dialogue.
During the meeting, two new organizations, the West Africa Civil Society Forum (FECAOCI) and COSEP-CI, joined the Permanent Framework for Consultation and Collaboration, bringing the total number of member CSOs to 11. These organizations will work together to promote national cohesion and peace. The minister reiterated that peace is never acquired and must be protected, maintained, and transmitted. She called on Ivoirian citizens to make national cohesion a lived reality, not just a government ambition.
The National Peace Day, scheduled for November 20-21, 2026, in Guiglo, aims to promote peace and national unity. The event will provide an opportunity for Ivoirian citizens to come together and celebrate their shared values. Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo's engagement with CSOs demonstrates the government's commitment to partnering with civil society to address national challenges.
The collaboration between the government and CSOs is crucial in promoting national cohesion and peace in Cote d'Ivoire. The government's efforts to engage with CSOs and involve them in decision-making processes demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance. The meeting's outcomes and recommendations will likely contribute to the development of effective strategies for promoting peace and national unity in Cote d'Ivoire.
Key points
- The Ivoirian government partners with civil society organizations to promote national cohesion and peace.
- Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government and CSOs in addressing national challenges.
- The National Peace Day, scheduled for November 20-21, 2026, aims to promote peace and national unity in Cote d'Ivoire.
