As Côte d’Ivoire gears up for its 2025 presidential elections, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a proactive step to support peaceful and transparent polls by deploying a high-level pre-election fact-finding mission. The team arrived in the country on June 29 and will remain until July 5, 2025.
This mission, according to the ECOWAS Commission, is being carried out under key provisions of the bloc’s democracy and conflict prevention frameworks. It reflects ECOWAS’s broader efforts to promote political stability and democratic governance across the region, especially in countries with sensitive electoral histories like Côte d’Ivoire.
A Team of Regional Experts on Ground
Heading the delegation is Professor Theodore Holo, former President of Benin’s Constitutional Court. He leads a ten-member team that includes senior ECOWAS officials like Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Adjovi Yekpe, Benin’s Ambassador to ECOWAS. The technical aspect of the mission is coordinated by Fanta Cissé, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.
Backed by a diverse group of electoral experts from across West Africa, the mission is engaging with a wide range of Ivorian stakeholders—from government ministries to political parties and civil society groups.
Taking Stock of Electoral Readiness
Over the course of their visit, the team will assess how prepared Côte d’Ivoire is for the election. This includes reviewing the country’s legal and institutional frameworks, observing political alliances and campaign developments, and holding discussions with key election actors such as the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the Ministry of the Interior, and the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA).
They will also gauge the general political atmosphere and identify any early signs of tension or instability that may need to be addressed ahead of the polls.
What Happens Next?
At the end of the visit, the delegation will produce a detailed report highlighting its observations and offering recommendations. These insights will help shape ECOWAS’s future support to Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring the elections are held under fair, credible, and peaceful conditions.
A Commitment to Stability in West Africa
ECOWAS has long positioned itself as a key guardian of democratic values in West Africa, particularly in countries facing political uncertainty. Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election is being closely watched—not just for who emerges as the next leader, but for how the process unfolds in a country with a history of tense and sometimes violent elections.
In its latest statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to standing by the Ivorian people and institutions. The regional bloc says it will continue working with all stakeholders to foster an electoral environment rooted in trust, transparency, and peace.
As West Africa navigates a challenging political climate, this mission serves as a reminder that democracy—when protected and guided—can remain a strong foundation for national unity and progress.
