President Alassane Ouattara Leads Cote d'Ivoire Independence Parade

President Alassane Ouattara led the 66th anniversary celebrations of Cote d'Ivoire's independence on August 7 with a grand military parade in Abidjan. The ceremony took place on Boulevard de la Solidarite in the Yopougon commune, where the president reviewed 5,423 personnel from the national defense and security forces.

The parade featured 534 vehicles, including aircraft, drones, and tanks. International military contingents from India, Benin, Gabon, and Guinea participated in the event. High-level dignitaries in attendance included Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah.

The celebrations concluded with a carnival performance by the National Ballet of Cote d'Ivoire. Titled "From the Land to Prosperity," the performance highlighted the nation's primary agricultural exports, specifically oil palm, coffee, and cocoa.