Abidjan has hosted a major gathering of African leaders as President Alhassan Ouattara was sworn in for a new term, marking an important moment in Côte d’Ivoire’s political calendar.

The ceremony, held at the presidential palace, drew wide regional participation and highlighted both national unity and Côte d’Ivoire’s diplomatic standing.

Presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, and delegations from across West and Central Africa attended the event in a show of support for President Ouattara’s renewed mandate.

Among the dignitaries present were:

- President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, who led Ghana’s delegation

- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal

- President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who chairs ECOWAS

- President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania

- President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon

- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville

The event was also attended by several former heads of state including, Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast, Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana, among several others.

The strong diplomatic presence was noted as a signal of regional confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s stability and leadership.

Ouattara Pledges Unity and Continued Transformation

In his address, President Ouattara thanked visiting leaders and citizens for their support. He described their presence as an affirmation of commitment to democracy, peace, and cooperation.

He expressed gratitude to Ivorians for the trust shown in the 25 October election and said the mandate represented a choice for stability and development.

Ouattara pledged to remain “the president of all Ivorians” and said his new term would focus on peacebuilding, economic growth, national cohesion, and reforms in public finances, digital innovation, agriculture, and energy.

A Regional Moment of Significance

The investiture reinforced Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a stable partner in a region facing political, economic, and security pressures. For Ivorians, the event marked continuity and renewed expectations. For the region, it served as a reminder of shared priorities centred on stability and cooperation.