Press release from the National Security Council
On Thursday 2 October 2025, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Alassane OUATTARA, chaired a meeting of the National Security Council at the Palais de la Présidence de la République, which focused on the general security situation.
At the end of the discussions, it emerged that the security situation in our country is steadily improving throughout the national territory.
With regard to the specific issue of preparations for forthcoming elections, the National Security Council welcomes the implementation of the security operation for the presidential election of 25 October 2025, known as “Espérance”.
This operation, which mobilises 44,000 elements of the Defence and Security Forces, aims to guarantee a secure and peaceful election, through the deployment of mixed foot and motorised patrols throughout the national territory.
In this context, the National Security Council is delighted with the success of the simulation exercise carried out in September 2025 as a prelude to Operation Espérance, the aim of which was to strengthen the synergy of action of the various units that will be deployed in the field during the electoral period.
The President of the Republic, satisfied with the preparatory activities of our Defence and Security Forces, extended his congratulations to the Ministers in charge of Defence and Security, to the Major Commands, as well as to all those involved in securing our country and, in particular, the presidential election. He also encouraged them to continue their efforts to ensure that the presidential election is held on 25 October 2025 in a peaceful and secure environment.
The National Security Council notes, however, that since the publication on 8 September 2025 by the Constitutional Council of the final list of candidates for the presidential election in October, a number of individuals, including political leaders, have been making xenophobic, hateful and subversive comments and disseminating false information likely to disrupt public order.
The National Security Council, while strongly condemning these remarks and behaviours, which run counter to the spirit of peace and responsibility that must prevail, particularly during election periods, wishes to point out that, in accordance with article 138 of the Constitution: “The decisions of the Constitutional Council are not subject to appeal. They are binding on the public authorities, on any administrative, judicial or military authority and on any natural or legal person.
Consequently, any challenge to the decisions of the Constitutional Council, of whatever nature, is illegal and exposes its authors to the penalties provided for by law.
In this respect, the Ministers in charge of Justice and Security have been instructed to take all necessary measures to maintain order and security, including the prohibition of meetings and public demonstrations aimed at challenging the decisions of the Constitutional Council.
The Head of State would also like to extend his congratulations to all those involved in calming the electoral process. In particular, he congratulates the National Chamber of Traditional Kings and Chiefs of Côte d’Ivoire on its recent nationwide tour to raise awareness and listen to the people, with a view to ensuring a peaceful presidential election.
The President of the Republic also congratulated the religious leaders and civil society actors for their actions to preserve peace in our country. The Head of State also invited these various actors to continue their initiatives.
At the end of the meeting, the President of the Republic reiterated his congratulations and encouragement to all the people, institutions and structures involved in securing the national territory. Lastly, he reassured Ivorians and foreigners living in Côte d’Ivoire that the electoral process was proceeding smoothly, peacefully and safely.