International Cooperation: First Lady Receives Christopher Fomunyoh of the NDI to Strengthen Partnership with Côte d’Ivoire

First Lady Dominique Ouattara received Mr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Regional Director for Africa of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), at her offices in Cocody on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

This high-level meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between the American institution and the Ivorian government. The discussions focused on the excellent partnership between the NDI and Côte d’Ivoire.

Despite the evolving global humanitarian and democratic landscape, the Regional Director for Africa reassured his guest of the NDI’s continued and strengthened commitment to the country.

Upon leaving the audience, Mr. Christopher Fomunyoh was keen to clarify the meaning of his approach and the sustainability of this alliance: “(…) I requested an audience with the First Lady because she has supported the activities of the NDI in the past.

The plan was for me to return to thank her for this gesture, but also to reassure her that despite the international restructuring of various non-governmental organizations working in the fields of democracy and humanitarian aid in Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere across the continent, the NDI has remained strong. The NDI remains strong, the NDI remains committed to Côte d’Ivoire, and we intend to continue our partnership with Côte d’Ivoire in our respective areas of expertise.

Tribute to the First Lady’s Leadership in Support of Young Women

Another highlight of this meeting was the NDI’s expression of gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering support of the organization’s initiatives. Mr. Fomunyoh particularly recalled, with emotion, the First Lady’s crucial support during a major gathering of young West African political leaders in Abidjan.

“You may recall that at one point, we had a significant amount of activity with women politicians in West Africa,” the Regional Director for Africa reminded everyone. “The NDI invited young women politicians from various countries in the sub-region to Abidjan, and the First Lady honored us by receiving the entire delegation here at the Foundation.”

This formal audience thus marks a new stage in strengthening joint projects to promote democracy, inclusion, and women’s leadership in Côte d’Ivoire and throughout the sub-region.