Third Youth Pilgrimage in Ivory Coast’s Abidjan Archdiocese Ends with Call on Young People to be “agents of peace”

Reflecting on Ivory Coast’s Presidential elections slated for October this year, he cautioned youths against all forms of manipulation.

He said, “Do not allow yourselves to be manipulated. You have a conscience and the ability to discern what is right. War is never a solution; it only destroys. It is your responsibility to promote cohesion.”

The National Executive Secretary of the Commission for Justice, Peace, and Environment in Ivory Coast further said, “We want a new day to begin with this pilgrimage; a new day where you will never let yourselves be brought down again; a new day where you will stand tall – an awakened youth!”

In his March 30 homily, Fr. Abékan appealed to politicians not to “leave young people an inheritance of bloodshed and ruins, but rather a nation at peace.”

Held under the theme “In this synodal year, young Catholics, be an agent of peace and social cohesion,” the one-day event provided an opportunity for Catholic youth to draw closer to God during this Lenten season. 

In his address to participants, the Chaplain of Youth Pastoral Ministry in Abidjan Archdiocese, Fr. Eugène Laurence Awouondji, said, “We have prayed for peace and unity in Ivory Coast, for a better future for young people in a peaceful country.”

Fr. Awouondji underscored the importance of unity, calling on young people to look beyond differences in nationality, ethnicity, and political affiliation. 

“We have come from all corners of our Archdiocese to form one body today. Peace is indispensable, and it is possible when we prioritize the common good,” he said.

Recalling Ivory Coast’s past crises, he warned against divisions and the political exploitation of youth, saying, “Too often, young people have been sacrificed on the altar of personal interests. We refuse to relive such tragedies. This pilgrimage is a testament to the deep desire for peace among our youth.”

Meanwhile, for the President of the Youth Pastoral Ministry of the Archdiocese of Abidjan, Jean-Noël Gnaba, the gathering of the Catholic youths was a moment of communion and reflection during which participants have been called to play a central role in promoting peace and social cohesion in the country.

“This pilgrimage was organized to send a message of peace to our youth. Too often, they are used and manipulated during elections. We refuse to let Catholic youth be drawn into this cycle. They can participate in the elections, but never in violence,” Mr. Gnaba said in his address at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.

He appealed to his peers to continue raising awareness about the need for peace in their respective communities, encouraging them to become bearers of hope and active agents of peace and social cohesion.

On his part, the Minister of Interior and Security in Ivory Coast, Vagondo Diomandé called on young people to foster peace, particularly as the country prepares for general elections.

“As we approach the general elections, concerns are growing, particularly given the political violence that has marred past elections; violence often fuelled by the manipulation of young people,” Mr. Diomandé said.

He lauded Catholic youth for their civic engagement; he commended their choice to adopt a posture of vigilance and responsibility, and urged them to ensure that the upcoming elections unfold peacefully and in adherence to democratic principles. 

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“Be builders of peace, artisans of social cohesion, and defenders of the human and Christian values that unite us,” the Ivorian Minister said in his March 30 address.

He reflected on the spiritual significance of the simultaneous observance of Lent and Ramadan, saying,  “This is not just a coincidence; it is a divine sign calling us to unity. The believers of Abraham, regardless of their religious affiliation, are invited to come together in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s peace and prosperity for our country.”

He urged young people to continue offering fervent prayers for peace in Ivory Coast and called on all citizens to embrace their responsibilities in building a stable and hopeful future.