Dakar, 25 September 2025 – Ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025, Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, has concluded a high-level mission to Côte d’Ivoire. This visit was part of ongoing efforts by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) to support peaceful elections in the country.

Over the course of more than a week, Mr. Simão held a series of consultations with key political stakeholders. He met with the five approved presidential candidates: incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, Jean-Louis Billon, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, Henriette Lagou, and Ahoua Don Mello, as well as with prominent political figures whose candidacies were not accepted by the Constitutional Council, notably Laurent Gbagbo and Pascal Affi N’Guessan.

These discussions reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to support Côte d’Ivoire during this pivotal moment in its democratic journey. “Elections are always a challenge, but they should be an opportunity to strengthen peace, stability, and social cohesion,” said Mr. Simão.

He stressed the importance of responsible participation by all political actors, emphasizing that peace does not come by chance, but is built through collective and sustained efforts. Most of the leaders he met welcomed this proactive approach and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the country’s democratic, economic, and social achievements.

In addition to political leaders, Mr. Simão also held meetings with key institutional authorities, including the Prime Minister, the Ministers of the Interior and Defence, as well as representatives of the National Assembly, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the Constitutional Council, and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). These meetings focused on the need to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and uphold fundamental rights.

“Emotions must be channeled positively to foster stability,” he added, underscoring that elections should not be a source of division, but rather a catalyst for peace, unity, and national cohesion.

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), in coordination with its regional and international partners, reaffirms its full commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in its pursuit of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future.