In Côte d’Ivoire, President Alassane Ouattara, in his address to the Nation on December 31, 2025, reviewed the year 2025 and announced major reforms for 2026, including accelerating youth empowerment, rigorous management of public finances, and a presidential pardon for over 4,600 common-law detainees, primarily those nearing the end of their sentences.
In his New Year’s message to the Nation, President Alassane Ouattara reviewed 2025, outlined priorities for 2026, and reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong and united Côte d’Ivoire. He commended the smooth conduct of the presidential election on October 25 and the legislative elections on December 27, a symbol of Ivorians’ attachment to peace and the Constitution, and announced the continuation of major social projects, particularly for youth empowerment.
“To make Côte d’Ivoire a model of transparency and governance in Africa, we are continuing our efforts in social investments. Young people and women will, of course, be at the heart of our public policies. Indeed, their training and professional integration will be essential for building the future.”
Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic – Côte d’Ivoire
As part of a policy of humanist justice and social reintegration, over 4,600 common-law detainees, primarily convicted of minor offenses and nearing the end of their sentences, were pardoned. The main goals are to reduce prison overcrowding and promote social cohesion.
“I have signed a decree for a collective pardon for 2,000 detainees and a decree granting sentence reductions to 2,656 detainees whose remaining sentence is less than or equal to 36 months.”
Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic – Côte d’Ivoire
On the economic front, Ivorian public finances in 2025 were marked by a record budget of nearly 16 billion CFA francs, primarily directed towards social investments and equipment. President Ouattara aims for more rigorous governance of public finances in 2026.