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

The workshop, themed “Animating Associative Life and Youth Leaders Facing Politics: What Stance?”, aimed to cultivate a responsible youth population committed to peace and capable of safeguarding social cohesion within a sensitive socio-political climate. This initiative is vital for African current affairs, promoting stable governance.

Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio emphasized the importance of youth structures like the CNJCI, which are designed to collaborate directly with the administration. He stated, “Every leader must understand their responsibilities and adopt an exemplary posture towards the state and society.” Such responsible youth leadership is key to national development.

He further elaborated that youth organizations should serve as frameworks for civic guidance and essential partners for public administration in fostering civism, dialogue, and harmonious coexistence.

Adding to this sentiment, Kouacou Désiré, the regional director for the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service for Gontougo, underscored the necessity of developing leaders who can effectively invigorate their associations while maintaining neutrality amidst political tensions. This focus on ethical leadership strengthens African governance.

“Simply being an association president is not enough. One must know how to bring their organization to life, unite young people, and undertake actions beneficial to the development of our communities,” he affirmed.

The director highlighted that the workshop also sought to enhance the capabilities of associative actors in areas such as responsible leadership, dialogue, organizational management, and the prevention of political manipulation within youth movements.

Representing the Prefect of the Gontougo region and the Bondoukou department, Gnaihi Hugues commended the initiative, recognizing its contribution to transforming youth into a genuine catalyst for social stability and development.

He declared, “Youth represents an invaluable asset for our country. It must be a driving force for social cohesion, peace, and civic engagement,” urging participants to fully embrace the lessons imparted during the various sessions.

The workshop featured several impactful interventions, including a presentation on animating associative life led by Jean Pierre Kouassi, a personal testimony on associative commitment by Gla Serge, and a panel discussion on the posture of youth leaders facing politics, guided by Pascal Kouamé.

The official presentation of the local CNJCI office also formed part of this significant gathering, which brought together numerous youth presidents from neighborhoods and villages, associative officials, student representatives, and various stakeholders dedicated to promoting civism and community leadership across the Gontougo region.