The candidate of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Alassane Ouattara, met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs in Yamoussoukro. Addressing the custodians of the country’s customs and traditions, the incumbent president made a heartfelt appeal for peace and responsibility ahead of the October 25 presidential election.

In an address filled with emotion and respect, President Ouattara praised the central role of traditional authorities in preserving national unity. “It is an honor for me to stand here today, in this symbolic place that embodies the deepest values of our society,” he began, before mentioning that he had paid tribute at the tomb of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, invoking his blessing for peace in Côte d’Ivoire.

The RHDP candidate expressed his gratitude to the National Chamber for its warm welcome and for the “words of wisdom” shared by its president. According to Ouattara, such exchanges demonstrate the strength of the Ivorian nation’s foundations and the unwavering commitment of traditional leaders to support the work of the State. “Your legacy endures, and it is through you that the stability of future generations is prepared,” he affirmed.

With just days before the election, Ouattara emphasized the importance — and sensitivity — of the electoral period. “Elections are essential to our democracy. They are always a sensitive time, sometimes a source of tension, but also of pride and peace,” he noted, praising the commitment of traditional leaders to foster peace and civic responsibility in their localities.

The candidate reiterated his camp’s determination to ensure transparent, secure, and law-abiding elections. “Our democracy does not need violence to express itself. What we need are debates of ideas,” he stressed, before adding, “The enlightened path is the path of God. Nothing must compromise peace among us.”

Ouattara also paid tribute to traditional leadership for its role in maintaining the nation’s stability, highlighting their wisdom, loyalty, and ability to facilitate dialogue between communities. “We have made progress, and we will continue to move forward together — hand in hand — the State and the traditional chieftaincy, to build a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Côte d’Ivoire,” he concluded.

The RHDP candidate ended his speech with words of gratitude for the blessings and prayers offered by the traditional leaders. “May God bless Côte d’Ivoire and may our nation always remain at peace,” he said, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Earlier, Nanan Désiré Amon Tanoé, President of the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs, expressed his appreciation for the creation of the institution by President Ouattara, calling it an act of recognition and valorization of traditional leadership. He stated that this initiative reflects the Head of State’s desire to reconcile republican modernity with ancestral wisdom.

Nanan Amon Tanoé also emphasized the essential role of traditional authorities in maintaining peace and social cohesion, particularly during election periods. He described kings and chiefs as the first mediators on the ground, those who defuse tensions before they escalate.

In this context, he made a solemn commitment on behalf of the institution to mobilize all traditional authorities to ensure a peaceful electoral climate, raise awareness among youth against violence and political manipulation, and encourage political leaders to prioritize national unity over personal ambitions. He reminded all citizens that elections must remain a democratic exercise, not a battlefield.

Finally, he underscored the importance of protecting peace — “a common treasure, fragile and irreplaceable” — and reaffirmed the loyalty and readiness of traditional leaders to support the president in strengthening the country’s stability and development.