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A two-day retreat in Côte d’Ivoire, hosted by NDI, brought together 26 leaders from 14 political party youth branches and youth movements to discuss the role of young people in the country’s electoral process.
The purpose of the retreat, held Sept. 18-19 in Grand Bassam, was to provide a neutral setting, where the leaders from across the political spectrum could reflect and build consensus on the contributions Ivorian youth could make to help ensure that the rapidly approaching presidential polls, scheduled for November 30, are peaceful.
The meeting concluded with a public commitment by the leaders to contribute actively to the holding of peaceful elections, as reflected in an 11-point joint statement and action plan to guide them in their joint efforts to secure a peaceful environment and large participation in the upcoming polls.
The event was notable for bringing together youth leaders who in the past have clashed violently in the streets of Abidjan and in the provinces. Côte d’Ivoire’s 2002-2007 armed conflict was fought primarily by young people within the armed rebellion and members of pro-government youth groups, some of whom were recruited into parallel militia groups. Although armed conflict ceased following the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Accord in March 2007, significant mistrust between these groups continues to be a barrier to political reconciliation.
With concerted efforts underway by Ivorians and the international community to ensure that the upcoming poll is transparent and credible, this type of dialogue is intended to help the country’s youth leaders leverage their considerable organizational and oratorical skills for a peaceful election and post-election period.
Retreat participants worked in small groups to consider and debate two separate themes: “the contributions of youth to the organization of democratic elections in Côte d’Ivoire” and “the role of Ivorian youth in the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections.”
“This is the time for Ivorian youth to assume their share of responsibility for moving the country forward on the path of greater social cohesion and development,” said NDI Resident Director Charles Djrekpo.
The African Union representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Ambroise Niyonsaba, spoke at the retreat about his personal experiences as a government minister with responsibility for the peace process in his native Burundi. He encouraged young people to take an active part in all steps of the electoral process and to turn out in large numbers on election day. “The African continent faces a very promising future,” he said. “To realize this promise, Africans must work together to promote positive leadership.”
Pictured above: Participants at the retreat, with NDI resident director Charles Djrekpo (in jacket and tie, at center left).
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Published Sept. 29, 2008
