The young Ivorian leader Hugues Kouamé Yao is a candidate for the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy, an initiative bringing together representatives from several West African countries around issues of peace, democracy and governance.

The only Ivorian candidate in the running, Hugues Kouamé Yao, faces contenders from Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Ghana, among others. Through his candidacy, he intends to give a voice to young people, particularly those from rural communities, who are often underrepresented in decision-making bodies.

In an interview with the Top News Africa news agency, the candidate explained that his commitment is guided by the desire to strengthen the participation of young people in democratic processes and the development of the continent.

“I want to promote peace, democracy, citizen participation and inclusive youth leadership. Joining this Parliament is an opportunity for me to transform the concerns of young people into concrete proposals and to contribute to the development of our continent,” he said.

Former student of the Djibo Sounkalo Municipal High School in Bouaké and currently a history student at the Alassane Ouattara University of Bouaké, Hugues Kouamé Yao aims, if elected, to lead awareness campaigns on peace, democracy and citizenship in rural communities.

His program also includes the creation of a listening network to gather young people's concerns and bring them to the attention of decision-makers. He also aims to strengthen youth leadership skills and participation in public decision-making, while fostering closer ties between institutions and young people to promote more inclusive governance.

Through this candidacy, Hugues Kouamé Yao affirms his desire to defend the colors of Ivory Coast and contribute to a better consideration of the aspirations of West African youth in the development of public policies.

The election of members of the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy will be held via videoconference from July 6 to 9, 2026 .