In a dignified and forward-looking address delivered from Abidjan, on the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s 65th independence anniversary, President Alassane Ouattara announced on August 6 three pivotal initiatives.
He proclaimed a presidential clemency benefiting a total of 8,533 inmates—2,087 granted full pardon and 6,446 receiving sentence reductions for minor offences with less than 36 months remaining—framing the gesture as one of “peace, forgiveness and humanity.” Additionally, he unveiled a generous increase to the year-end bonus for public servants—known as the “prime ADO”—doubling it from one-third to two-thirds of base salary, retroactively applied and extended to retirees through adjusted pensions. The President also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, and democratic presidential election, urging political actors to demonstrate responsible, mature engagement.
In his emotionally resonant message, President Ouattara emphasised the significance of this milestone as more than a commemoration—it is a collective reflection on the nation’s journey and a foundation for future progress.
He designated Bouaké as the centre for the festivities, acknowledging its symbolism in the country’s narrative of resilience, regeneration, and unity. His speech also highlighted recent social and economic achievements, including support for over 420,000 women through the FAFCI initiative and assistance to more than one million young people via government youth programmes in training, employment, agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
These efforts, he noted, reflect Côte d’Ivoire’s stability, institutional maturity, and its rising profile as a beacon of development in West Africa.