Jonathan’s sudden move: What’s he really doing in Côte d’Ivoire?

A high-powered delegation of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former Benin President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, arrived in Abidjan on Wednesday ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s October 25, 2025, presidential election.

Joining him on the mission are former Nigerian President and WAEF Chair, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former United Nations Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, alongside other eminent members of the Forum.

The delegation’s visit follows a pre-election assessment mission undertaken in September, during which WAEF representatives met key political actors to evaluate the electoral climate and promote peaceful preparations for the polls.

According to the Forum, the current observation and mediation mission reaffirms its commitment to fostering credible, transparent, and violence-free elections across the West African region.

During their stay, the team will hold strategic meetings with major stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), civil society groups, the media, and the diplomatic community to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

Speaking on arrival, Dr. Jonathan said the Forum’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire underscores its solidarity with Ivorian citizens and its support for democratic institutions working to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

“We return to Côte d’Ivoire with a message of solidarity and peace,” Jonathan said.

“We commend the preparations so far and urge all political actors and citizens to uphold democratic values, reject violence, and place national unity above all.”

The WAEF delegation will monitor the pre-election, election-day, and post-election phases, maintaining engagement until the electoral process concludes peacefully.

The Forum also expressed gratitude to the Ivorian government and people for their cooperation and hospitality.

Founded as a platform of former West African heads of state and distinguished personalities, WAEF promotes peace, democracy, and political stability through preventive diplomacy, mediation, and electoral support.

It has previously deployed missions to Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, and The Gambia.