As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its 65th Independence Day, the nation’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) are set to deliver an extraordinary show of unity and strength in the city of Bouaké.
Under the theme “Defense and Security Forces, Guardians of Hope and Fraternity,” the celebrations will feature 4,900 military and paramilitary personnel, supported by 550 specialised vehicles and equipment.
A torchlight procession on August 6 will kick off the festivities, followed by a grand military parade on August 7, where foreign contingents from the United States, France, and Morocco will also participate—signifying strong international defence partnerships. Amid regional instability, the event underscores the FDS’s unwavering commitment to national security and social cohesion.
Beyond the military display, the celebration promises a rich cultural and civic experience. The public will enjoy direct interactions with the armed forces during an open-air discovery day at the new Bouaké stadium, with exhibitions of military hardware and daring parachute demonstrations. A choreographed artistic piece portraying Côte d’Ivoire’s five geographical zones will bring the festivities to a colourful close, highlighting the nation’s cultural wealth and youthful spirit. With an organising committee and multiple rehearsals in place, the Chief of the General Staff has called on Ivorians to come out in force to celebrate peace, unity, and a renewed sense of patriotic pride.