Côte d’Ivoire youth leaders urged to embrace responsible political engagement

The Côte d’Ivoire National Youth Council (CNJCI) in Bondoukou recently convened a capacity-building workshop to emphasize the critical role of youth leaders in fostering civic responsibility and political awareness. Held on May 23, 2026, the event brought together local youth associations, student representatives, and community leaders to discuss the theme: “Engaging youth associations and leadership in politics: what is the right approach?”

Building responsible youth leadership for national cohesion

The training session, organized at the regional youth office of Bondoukou, aimed to strengthen the ability of young leaders to navigate political sensitivities while promoting social cohesion. Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio, the departmental delegate of the CNJCI, underscored the importance of youth organizations in collaborating with public institutions to uphold peace and civic values.

Kouadio highlighted that youth structures like the CNJCI are designed to bridge the gap between civil society and government, urging leaders to set an example through transparency and constructive engagement. “Our mission is to guide young people toward responsible citizenship, ensuring they contribute to development without being swayed by political divisions,” he stated.

Key takeaways from the workshop

• Leadership beyond titles: Kouacou Désiré, the regional director for Youth Promotion and Civic Service in Gontougo, emphasized that simply holding a leadership position is insufficient. Effective leaders must actively mobilize their communities, foster unity, and drive tangible progress.
• Neutrality in turbulent times: Participants were trained on maintaining organizational neutrality during political tensions, ensuring youth movements remain spaces for dialogue and collective action rather than partisan conflict.
• Community-driven development: The workshop included sessions on organizational management, conflict prevention, and civic education, equipping attendees with tools to lead impactful initiatives.

A call for youth as agents of stability

Gnaihi Hugues, regional prefect of Gontougo and prefect of Bondoukou, praised the initiative for empowering young people to become pillars of social peace. He stressed that Côte d’Ivoire’s future hinges on harnessing the energy of its youth for sustainable development and national unity.

“The youth are the heartbeat of our nation. Their commitment to dialogue, peace, and civic duty will shape the future we all desire,” he affirmed, encouraging participants to apply the workshop’s lessons in their communities.

Diverse voices shape the discussion

The event featured expert-led discussions, including:

• A workshop on Jean Pierre Kouassi’s strategies for revitalizing youth associations.
• A testimonial from Gla Serge on the power of grassroots engagement in driving social change.
• A panel discussion, moderated by Pascal Kouamé, exploring the delicate balance between youth activism and political neutrality.

The gathering also marked the official launch of the CNJCI’s local chapter in Bondoukou, symbolizing a renewed commitment to fostering accountable and proactive youth leadership across the region.