At the inaugural symposium of the Laayel Institute of Religious Sciences, the Ivorian Prime Minister advocated for a return to balance between man, his environment and spirituality.

The Ivorian Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, attended the inaugural symposium of the Laayel Institute of Religious Sciences (affiliated with the AIGRH University of Rare Disciplines) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Cerap-Cocody (Abidjan). As patron of the event, the head of government focused his message on the absolute necessity of reconnecting humanity to its environmental and spiritual roots.

Rethinking humanity's place in the universe

For Robert Beugré Mambé, the survival and flourishing of humanity depend on respect for a fundamental trilogy: man, nature and the divine .

"Man is certainly intelligent, but he would be even more intelligent if he understood that he is only one element of nature." — Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Ivory Coast

The Prime Minister vigorously defended the profound and often misunderstood traditions of Africa. According to him, the invocations of traditional chiefs to ancestors are not fetishism, but rather prayers "for something greater." He emphasized that before founding a village, tradition dictates that spiritual alliances be forged with the forces of nature.

In contrast, he pointed the finger at modern arrogance, asserting that the current climate crisis is a direct consequence of the breach of this pact. He bluntly described this disruption as "the result of human stupidity."

A synergy between science, culture and the sacred

The Rector of the Institute, Professor Essane Séraphin, placed the institution's work under the sign of the sacred. He explained the symbolism behind the name of Taharqa Sarê University, a Fulani term evoking the "consultant," the "builder," and the "mystic." Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister, designated as the academic patron, the Rector was delighted to see this symposium bring together such a broad range of academics and political decision-makers around the theme of dialogue with the divine.

Facing the challenges of the Anthropocene

The scientific core of the event was introduced by Professor Hauhouot Asseypo Antoine, honorary president of ASCAD. His lecture, entitled "The Anthropocene and the problem of religious sciences in sub-Saharan Africa" , laid the groundwork for the day's discussions.

This rich and complex theme was then explored in greater depth during a panel discussion:

1. Professor Kouakou N'Guessan François (honorary president of Félix Houphouët-Boigny University and co-sponsor of the event) highlighted the complex links between the Anthropocene era (the era in which human activity alters the ecosystem) and theology.
2. Sister Noélie Djimadoumbaye (Congregation of the Xavière Sisters) provided a spiritual perspective by analyzing how the Christian tradition positions itself in the face of contemporary environmental challenges.