In a gathering held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Grand-Bassam, the Ivory Coast chapter of the non-governmental organization Diaspora CEDEAO officially invested Salif Kassambé as its new national president.

The high-profile ceremony brought together community leaders, religious authorities, traditional chiefs, and municipal officials. Their collective presence reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening social cohesion, solidarity, and peace both within Ivory Coast and across the wider West African sub-region.

Assuming leadership of the organization, Salif Kassambé outlined an ambitious roadmap focused on continuous peacebuilding and community engagement. Central to his agenda is the deployment of a nationwide peace caravan designed to tour various neighborhoods and municipalities across the country. Operating since 2002, this initiative strives to bring diverse populations closer together by fostering core values of mutual solidarity, forgiveness, and brotherhood.

During his address, Kassambé issued a direct appeal to political and administrative figures including government ministers, members of parliament, and local mayors, demanding their full backing to expand these peace initiatives across the entire Ivorian territory. “I issue a strong call for love, solidarity, sharing, forgiveness, and social cohesion,” he declared, emphasizing that political support is essential for sustaining long-term regional stability.

Alongside the political and civic proceedings, the event featured a vibrant commercial and cultural exposition aimed at promoting local socio-economic development.

Small and medium enterprises, artisans, and commercial vendors used the platform to display innovative products, boost brand visibility, and establish new business ties. The fair also highlighted regional gastronomy, leveraging local culinary arts as a driver for economic attraction and community pride.

Rounding out the event, rich cultural performances and entertainment areas were unveiled to engage families, youth, and visitors. Local artists showcased diverse performance traditions, turning the inauguration into a multi-generational celebration of identity and togetherness.

As end-of-year festivities approach, the organization aims to build on this momentum, using cultural exchange and commercial partnership as lasting pillars for peace.