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Promoting Security and Democracy: A look back at the SIPODI Seminar in Gagnoa

Strengthening of dialogue and security for peaceful elections in Côte d'Ivoire, with the involvement of local actors and communities

As part of the SIPODI West program, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) organized a series of traveling seminars under the theme: “Together for safe and democratic elections: Dialogue for security in the run-up to elections”. This initiative took place from March 3 to 4, 2025, in Gagnoa, Côte d'Ivoire, a strategic location chosen for its electoral importance and its sensitivity to sociopolitical and intercommunity tensions during election periods.

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Objectives of the Seminar

The main goal of this event was to promote peaceful and inclusive elections by strengthening dialogue among key stakeholders involved in electoral processes. Specifically, the event aimed to:

  • Enhance the capacities of monitoring committees and civil-military committees.

  • Facilitate dialogue between defense and security forces, local authorities, and communities.

  • Raise awareness among youth, women, and community leaders about their role in preventing electoral conflicts.

 

Structure and Activities

Participants engaged in various interactive activities, including:

  • Community dialogue forums, allowing local actors to discuss election security challenges.

  • Thematic presentations on the importance of peaceful elections and the role of stakeholders in preventing tensions.

  • Workshops, where participants identified practical solutions to anticipate and defuse electoral conflicts.

A particular emphasis was placed on collaboration between security forces and local communities to build mutual trust and encourage greater civic participation.

 

Key Outcomes

Some of the notable achievements of this initiative include:

  • Strengthened competencies among participants in handling electoral tensions.

  • Improved cooperation between local authorities, security forces, and populations, creating a more inclusive framework for conflict prevention.

  • Active involvement of youth and women, contributing to a culture of peace and dialogue within communities.

 

A Step Towards Peaceful Elections

This initiative represents a crucial step in the preparation for the upcoming elections in Côte d'Ivoire. It laid the foundation for an inclusive dialogue and contributed to strengthening social cohesion in potentially vulnerable areas.

Through the SIPODI program, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation remains committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and democracy. It reaffirms its conviction that transparent and secure elections are a fundamental pillar for the sustainable development of Côte d'Ivoire and the African continent.

📌 Stay informed about our upcoming initiatives and follow our efforts to consolidate peace in West Africa!

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Contact

Aboubakar Sidik Koné

Bild Aboubakar Koné

Project coordinator

aboubakar.kone@kas.de +225 27 22 48 18 00

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About this series

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.