Political Academy - Regional Programme Political Dialogue in West Africa
The purpose of this activity was to give Ivorian youth the opportunity to express their expectations towards political actors. Thus, the opportunity was given to the youth leaders of the political parties RHDP (Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix), PDCI-RDA (Parti Démocratique de la Côte d'Ivoire – Rassemblement Démocratique Africain), FPI (Front Populaire Ivoirien) and also to representatives of the civil society and the student association FESCI (Fédération estudiantine et scolaire de la Côte d'Ivoire) to take stock of the realities of young people. In particular, the representatives were asked to present proposals on how to better meet the expectations of youth in the programmes of their respective political parties. While debating with the public, it became apparent that the situation of the youth, despite the positive macroeconomic development, is rather unsatisfactory. Ivorian youth are largely affected by unemployment.
The debate was followed by recommendations to the politicians and all those aspiring to lead Côte d’Ivoire from 2020 onwards. The participants highlighted the importance of reforming the education system to ensure that it is better adapted to the needs of the labour market. Furthermore, the transparency of the recruitment process for the civil service and of other government projects must be improved. And finally, it was emphasised that the instrumentalisation of young people must be avoided to ensure a climate of peace and to secure peaceful presidential elections in 2020.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, in line with its ideals of political dialogue, is convinced of the importance of offering an exchange platform to young people.
