The West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has called on Cot D’Ivore citizens to maintain peace, law, and order to protect Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic and economic gains.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abidjan, where the WAEF election mission has been holding consultations with key stakeholders, Jonathan urged all parties to act with restraint and responsibility throughout the electoral process.
He also appealed to the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the country’s security agencies to demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and impartiality in discharging their duties, emphasizing that credibility and fairness are essential to sustaining public trust.
“Peace is the foundation upon which progress is built,” Jonathan said. “Côte d’Ivoire has made remarkable strides in development and infrastructure. It is therefore vital that all citizens safeguard this progress by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, transparent, and credible.”
The statement followed a series of high-level engagements between the WAEF delegation and Ivorian authorities, including President Alassane Ouattara, the Constitutional Council, presidential candidates, the Minister of Interior, and several civil society groups.
Jonathan commended all parties for their commitment to dialogue and democratic governance, describing peace as the greatest guarantor of the country’s stability and prosperity.
“We urge every Ivorian to remember that elections should unite, not divide,” he added. “By choosing peace, Ivorians are choosing stability, prosperity, and the continued advancement of their nation.”
The Forum reaffirmed its confidence in the Ivorian people’s resilience and their commitment to democratic values. It encouraged eligible voters to come out in large numbers to cast their votes peacefully and express their will through the ballot box.
“The West African Elders Forum stands in solidarity with Côte d’Ivoire,” Jonathan said. “We believe that with peace and unity, the nation will continue to be a beacon of progress and stability in West Africa.”
