Côte d’Ivoire: Algerian Pan-Africanist Bekki Benameur urges Ivorians, “It’s Time to trust the worthy sons of the nation for the upcoming elections
During a press briefing focused on the situation of African countries, the Algerian Pan-Africanist Bekki Benameur made a heartfelt appeal to the Ivorian people, particularly the youth. Without mincing words, he urged Ivorians to place their trust in the sons and daughters of the nation who have distinguished themselves through their actions for the country’s development.
Mr. Bekki Benameur emphasized the importance for African nations to stop looking for leaders among those who have spent their lives serving Western interests. According to him, Africa’s renaissance can only be led by leaders who have proven themselves locally by working on economic recovery and providing employment opportunities for the youth. “It is essential,” he stated, “to turn to those who understand the local realities and have demonstrated their ability to address the internal challenges of the continent.”
In the context of Côte d’Ivoire, the Algerian Pan-Africanist specifically highlighted the case of Mr. Jean-Louis Billon, a prominent figure in the Ivorian private sector. “Here is a man,” he declared, “who has devoted his life to Côte d’Ivoire, creating jobs and contributing to economic development. Today, Mr. Jean-Louis Billon employs more than 33.000 Ivorians. How could he not be trusted ?”
According to Benameur, Mr. Billon’s journey is reminiscent of figures like Patrice Talon in Benin or Aliko Dangote in Nigeria, entrepreneurs who succeeded in the private sector before becoming influential actors on the political stage of their respective countries. Through his commitment and accomplishments, Mr. Jean-Louis Billon embodies this new generation of African leaders capable of carrying forward a solid national and Pan-Africanist project.
For Benameur, Ivorians must “consume locally”, meaning they should prioritize leaders who come from and are invested in the country’s development for the 2025 elections.
The Pan-Africanist’s message is clear: Côte d’Ivoire needs leaders who are deeply rooted in the country, who understand the aspirations of the people, and who work towards shared prosperity. The Algerian Bekki Benameur, therefore, calls on Ivorian voters to exercise discernment in the upcoming elections by choosing those who have demonstrated their commitment to the nation through concrete actions.
