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Ex-presidents

West African Elders' Forum Deploys Fact-Finding Mission to Cote d'Ivoire Ahead of Presidential Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former President of Benin, Mr. Yayi Boni, are leading a fact-finding mission to Cote d'Ivoire by the West African Elders' Forum (WAEF) ahead of the country's presidential election scheduled for October 2025. The mission, which includes other prominent figures such as Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, aims to deepen the confidence and trust of Ivorians in the electoral process. The WAEF was established in 2020 as a non-partisan platform of former Heads of State and Government in West Africa, and this mission is part of its efforts to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and stability across the sub-region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The West African Elders' Forum (WAEF) deployed a fact-finding mission to Cote d'Ivoire ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025.
  • The mission is led by former President Goodluck Jonathan and former President of Benin, Mr. Yayi Boni.
  • Other members of the mission include Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian President and Chairman of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
  • The mission aims to deepen the confidence and trust of Ivorians in the electoral process and ensure a hitch-free election.
  • The WAEF was established in 2020 as a home-grown, non-partisan platform of former Heads of State and Government in West Africa.
  • The Forum's core objective is to accompany West African countries in their efforts to consolidate democracy, particularly during electoral processes.
  • Since its establishment, the WAEF has conducted similar missions in many West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, and Gambia.
  • The scheduled Ivorian presidential election will feature incumbent President Allasane Ouattara running against candidates from other parties, including Ivory Coast's two main opposition parties, the African People's Party - Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI).

Statistics:

  • The WAEF was established in 2020.
  • The mission will be in the country for three days.
  • Over 80% of the vote was obtained by incumbent President Allasane Ouattara in the previous two elections in 2015 and 2020.
  • The election is scheduled to take place in October 2025.

Sources:

  • Statement from the WAEF Secretariat
  • Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and head of WAEF secretariat, Ms. Ann Iyonu

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