Pr. Séraphin Nene-Bi Botie, Director of the Centre Africain d'Histoire du Droit des Institutions et des Idées Politiques (CAHDIIP), took center stage with his keynote on the chosen topic. He reminded the audience of the indispensability of a strong state and strong institutions, underlining the interdependence of one with the other, especially elected representatives and voters. He emphasized the remarkable importance of the habit of accountability in the advancement of democracy.
At the opening, Resident Representative Dr. Stefanie Brinkel thanked the various stakeholders for their collaboration, and took the opportunity to introduce her new colleague Dr. Tobias Ruetershoff, the new Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung SIPODI, the regional security program.
It was also an opportunity for civil society, represented by Souleymane Fofana, general coordinator of the Regroupement des Acteurs Ivoiriens des Droits Humains (RAIDH), to thank the foundation for its long and fruitful cooperation and support for civil society.
H.E. Matthias Veltin, German ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, was at his first ceremony with the KAS in the country, but underlined the excellent work of the foundation he had already worked with at his previous post in Lomé, Togo. He took the opportunity to wish the Côte d'Ivoire Elephants every success, as they are expected to reach the semi-finals of the AFCON two days after the ceremony.
The representative of the Mayor of Cocody, Arnaud Kouao, conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of Mayor Jean-Marc Yacé for the New Year.
After a group photo with the authorities of the National Assembly, Senate and other officials, the evening ended with mignardises and swaying dance steps.
