Promoting a sense of citizenship among youth: First Lady Dominique Ouattara agrees to Serve as Honorary Member of AIMLHONM

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, granted an audience to members of the Ivorian Association of Recipients of the Legion of Honor and the French National Order of Merit (AIMLHONM) at her offices in Cocody.

The meeting witnessed the presence of Ms. Danièle Boni Claverie, President of the AIMLHONM, members of the Association, and members of the First Lady’s Office.

The purpose of this meeting was to officially present the Association’s missions and objectives. It also provided an opportunity to share the Association’s ambitions, particularly those aimed at supporting Ivorian youth.

Led by its President, Minister Daniele Boni Claverie, the delegation also sought the First Lady’s approval to serve as an honorary member, as well as her patronage for the association’s very first event, scheduled for May 11, 2026.

Taking the floor, the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, after welcoming her guests and expressing her pleasure at having them there, agreed to join the Association: “I am pleased to give my consent to become a member of the Association, since, as you know, I myself have been a member of the Legion of Honor with the rank of Commander since 2012. ”

She also highlighted the significance of the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit, which recognize citizens who have rendered outstanding service to the nation. According to her, these distinctions embody “the fundamental values of courage, honor, and loyalty,” and impose upon their recipients a duty of exemplary conduct and responsibility.

Emphasizing the importance of passing on these values, First Lady Dominique Ouattara urged the association’s members to continue their commitment to young people. “It is precisely these values that we must continue to pass on to our youth, so that they can build their future and contribute effectively to our country’s influence,” she stressed.

Impressed by the dedication of the AIMLHONM members, the First Lady praised their willingness to serve others. She also welcomed the focus of their first activity, which is centered on promoting civic-mindedness and republican values among young people. “I agree, dear Danièle, to be the patron of your first event on May 11, 2026, with pleasure,” she announced.

For her part, Minister Daniele Boni Claverie expressed her association’s gratitude for this meeting, which she described as “a tremendous honor.” She noted that AIMLHONM’s initiative is in line with the First Lady’s ongoing commitment to children, youth, and education.

“Our outreach to you is rooted in a simple yet essential conviction: the future of our country rests on the youth that is aware of its rights, but above all committed to its duties,” she stated.

In presenting the association’s projects, she mentioned the upcoming creation of a Friends of AIMLHONM club, designed to foster dialogue, philanthropy, and partnerships. She also emphasized the goal of compiling a directory of Ivorian medal recipients and French recipients decorated in Côte d’Ivoire.

However, the majority of the association’s activities remain focused on youth. To this end, a series of lecture-discussions and workshops will be organized in several high schools in Abidjan, centered on the theme: “Youth, Civic Responsibility, and Republican Values for a United and Responsible country.” These activities, intended for approximately 200 students, will aim to promote values such as respect for institutions, non-violence, a sense of duty, and civic engagement. “By joining us, you will enable us to send a strong message to young people : that of a nation that believes in its values and its future,” concluded Danièle Boni Claverie.

The AIMLHONM aims to promote civic-mindedness and solidarity among its members, and to strengthen Franco-Ivorian ties of friendship. It brings together Ivorian and French figures in Côte d’Ivoire who have received these French honors.