ECOWAS and African Union Jointly Observe Presidential Election in Cote d'Ivoire

Strategic Insights -

H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Head of the Joint ECOWAS-African Union Election Observation Mission, met with Ivorian officials, African ambassadors, and ECOWAS observers in Abidjan on October 21-23, 2025, to assess the organization of the presidential election on October 25, 2025. The joint mission aimed to ensure that the election takes place in good conditions, supported by more than 250 observers from ECOWAS and the African Union. The mission's head emphasized the importance of independent observation, in accordance with international standards, to ensure fair and transparent elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Joint ECOWAS-African Union Election Observation Mission, led by H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, met with key stakeholders in Cote d'Ivoire, including the candidate Mr. Ahoua Don Melo and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. YAPI KOFFI Evariste.
  • Prof. Osinbajo met with the President of the Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, and the President of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication of Cote d'Ivoire (HACA), Mr. Rene Bourgoin.
  • The head of the joint mission emphasized the importance of free, consensual, democratic, and peaceful elections, and assured that ECOWAS and the African Union are ready to support Cote d'Ivoire to ensure the election takes place in good conditions.
  • Prof. Osinbajo granted an audience to the US Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, H.E. Ms. Jessica Davis, and discussed security measures with Lieutenant General Vagondo DIOMANDE at the Ministry of the Interior and Security.
  • The Joint ECOWAS-African Union Election Observation Mission deployed 187 observers from ECOWAS and provided technical and financial support to ensure the smooth running of the election.

Statistics:

  • 250+ observers from ECOWAS and the African Union were deployed to monitor the election.
  • 187 observers were directly managed by the Joint ECOWAS-African Union Election Observation Mission.
  • The election is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2025.

Sources:

  • ECOWAS news release: "Presidential election on the 25 of October 2025 in Cote d'Ivoire". October 25, 2025. ECOWAS website: https://www.ecowas.int/presidential-election-on-the-25-of-october-2025-in-cote-divoire/