Abidjan, August 7, 2026 — As Côte d’Ivoire marks 66 years of independence, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara is charting a bold new course for the nation.

His national address transcends conventional economic reports or security pledges. Instead, he outlines two critical priorities that will define the next chapter in Ivorian governance: accelerating the country’s transformation while deepening the rule of law.

At the heart of the “Great Côte d’Ivoire” vision lies a fundamental question: How can economic growth and political stability translate into tangible benefits for all segments of the population?

Building a greater nation through shared progress

The Ivorian president is rallying institutions, businesses, political parties, civil society, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the diaspora to contribute to the “Great Côte d’Ivoire” initiative. The language is deliberate—this is not just another government policy, but a call to unite behind a national project that rises above partisan divides.

This ambitious agenda arrives at a time when Côte d’Ivoire enjoys a strong economic trajectory and continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, transportation, energy, and port capacities. The new 2026–2030 National Development Plan is designed to serve as the blueprint for this next phase, with the stated goal of propelling the country into a higher tier of development.

Yet, success cannot be measured solely by skyscrapers rising in Abidjan or highways connecting distant regions. True progress demands addressing territorial inequalities, creating meaningful opportunities for young people, and ensuring that growth translates into lasting improvements in living standards.

The “Great Côte d’Ivoire” will only become a reality if it is not just an economic promise, but a social one as well.

Driving development without compromising justice

It is here that the second pillar of the president’s message gains its significance. In his televised address Wednesday evening, Alassane Ouattara reaffirmed ongoing efforts to secure high-risk zones, particularly in the face of flood risks and weather-related disasters. Yet, he drew a clear line in the sand.

Civil actions taken outside legal frameworks—such as those criticized in Koumassi—are now under review. The president emphasized that such cases must lead to accountability and legal consequences for those responsible.

This distinction is pivotal. While urban modernization and disaster prevention may require decisive action, development cannot justify creating areas where administrative law is suspended or where citizens face displacement without due process or adequate safeguards.

The president’s stance signals a broader principle: the state can act firmly without resorting to arbitrariness. It can build, secure, and modernize while remaining bound by the laws it enacts.

The ultimate test: coherence between ambition and execution

Côte d’Ivoire today faces a challenge far greater than mere economic expansion. It must prove that a rising regional power can simultaneously strengthen its infrastructure, preserve stability, protect its citizens, and uphold public trust in its institutions.

That is the real significance of Alassane Ouattara’s speech. His call for national unity will only resonate if every sector of society feels included in the national project. Just as importantly, the rule of law cannot remain an abstract concept if the state itself bypasses the laws it upholds.

The president has set a clear direction—one that is deceptively simple yet politically demanding: build faster, secure more, modernize the country, but never lose sight of the people for whom this transformation is being pursued.

“Great Côte d’Ivoire” will not be defined solely by towering structures or economic metrics. It will be judged by its ability to align public power, justice, and inclusion. More than any slogan, this consistency will determine whether the next chapter in Côte d’Ivoire’s journey truly marks a transformative leap forward.