ECOWAS Strengthens Côte d’Ivoire’s Democracy With Electoral Assistance
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to democracy promotion, electoral assistance, and humanitarian rights protection in Côte d’Ivoire through major financial support to national institutions.
On October 14, 2025, ECOWAS, represented by Resident Representative Her Excellency Ms. Fanta Cissé, officially handed over a total of $384,000 USD in Abidjan to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral and human rights systems. The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) received $300,000, while the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) was granted $84,000.
This funding is part of the ECOWAS Regional Support Program for Electoral Processes in Member States, demonstrating the bloc’s ongoing commitment to promoting transparent elections and safeguarding humanitarian rights protection across the region.
Supporting Democratic Maturity in Côte d’Ivoire
During the handover ceremony, Ms. Cissé praised the democratic maturity of the Ivorian people and applauded the country’s leadership for nurturing a peaceful and inclusive political climate. She emphasized that peace and democracy are continuous efforts built daily through dialogue, mutual tolerance, and shared responsibility among political and social actors.
“Peace and democracy are not one-time achievements. They are processes that demand commitment, respect for human rights, and constructive engagement from every sector of society,” Ms. Cissé said.
Strengthening Institutions for Fair Elections
Mr. Sourou Koné, First Vice-President of the CEI, represented the electoral body’s leadership, while Ms. Namizata Sangaré, President of the CNDH, accepted the support on behalf of the human rights council. Also present was Mr. Serigne Ka, Acting Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division and Head of the ECOWAS Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM).
This contribution underlines ECOWAS’s goal to provide not just technical support, but direct funding that enables institutions like the CEI and CNDH to function effectively during key electoral periods.
A Regional Commitment to Good Governance
The initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, especially Articles 12 to 14, which guide member state support during elections. It reflects a broader vision of sustainable democracy promotion, backed by actionable investment in electoral assistance and respect for fundamental rights.
As Côte d’Ivoire prepares for upcoming elections, this funding comes at a critical time to help ensure electoral transparency, improve voter trust, and enhance the credibility of state institutions — vital pillars for maintaining peace in West Africa.
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This story was first reported by APO Group on behalf of ECOWAS. Read the full article here.
