In Côte d’Ivoire, presidential candidate and businessman Jean-Louis Billon has officially launched his campaign ahead of the October 25 election. The event took place in Marcory, Abidjan, where Billon presented his vision for a “new Côte d’Ivoire” focused on youth employment and better governance.

Addressing hundreds of supporters, Billon said he chose Marcory to symbolize “courage and memory,” declaring it the place “where change begins.” He urged voters to help push the election into a second round against incumbent President Alassane Ouattara.

Running as an independent but long associated with the opposition PDCI party, Billon positioned himself as the voice of a new generation seeking transformation in Ivorian politics.