"Ivoirité" and Sociopolitical Crises in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is one of the eight member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). A former French colony, it was led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny from 1960 to 1993. After more than a century of peaceful coexistence between immigrants and indigenous peoples, Côte d'Ivoire is now experiencing xenophobia, particularly during presidential elections. This book explains how "Ivorian identity" has become a dominant ideology in Côte d'Ivoire. Politicians have now transformed their vision of political "Ivorian identity" into cultural "Ivorian identity." Building on this cultural "ivoirité," Côte d'Ivoire is embarking on a journey-though challenges remain-toward its fulfillment: that is, living together in harmony, which is becoming the foundation of the great Ivorian nation. "Ivoirité" and the sociopolitical crises in Côte d'Ivoire constitute a valuable resource that students and researchers in communication and politics can use in their work.