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Archbishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan and newly appointed cardinal, has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting peace and development in Côte d’Ivoire as the country approaches its 2025 presidential elections. During a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday, November 26, Archbishop Dogbo expressed his willingness to support the nation’s leaders through prayer and collaboration. “I came to express my readiness to continue praying for the nation and a brighter future for our country,” he stated. Archbishop Dogbo, who assumed his position in May and was formally installed in August 2024, emphasized the importance of synergy between the Church and the state to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

These statements align with a recent pastoral letter published by the Episcopal Conference of Côte d’Ivoire (CECCI), which warned against rising tensions during the pre-electoral period. In the message dated November 18, the bishops stressed the need for responsible discourse that respects differences. “Democracy is not a battlefield where people fight to the death but a responsible confrontation that respects diversity,” the CECCI members declared. They further highlighted the necessity of transparency and fairness in managing the electoral process to consolidate democracy and avoid unnecessary tensions.

The Ivorian bishops called on the government to establish resilient structures to ensure freedom, security, and stability, even during politically turbulent times. They also urged citizens to embrace peaceful attitudes, rejecting hatred, revenge, and violence. “Peace needs hearts open to trust, where life triumphs over all forms of death,” they stated.

The bishops underscored the role of dialogue in resolving conflicts. They believe constructive dialogue between political actors, even those with differing opinions, is a win-win solution. They encouraged the population to believe in a brighter future built on solid foundations of justice, reconciliation, and truth.

In their call for national unity, the CECCI members urged Ivorians to work together to build a promising future. “Let us work together, in truth, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, to construct a radiant future,” they concluded.

This commitment from the Catholic Church in Côte d’Ivoire reflects its dedication to actively promoting a peaceful and stable society, in partnership with political actors and civil society. As the 2025 presidential elections draw nearer, this appeal for dialogue and unity stands as a beacon of hope for the Ivorian nation.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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