In an interview with BBC News Afrique , Henriette Lagou, 64, one of the two women candidates in the Ivorian presidential election, discusses her career and her ambitions for Côte d'Ivoire. Born on January 28, 1956, in Issia, in the Haut-Sassandra region, she graduated from the National School of Administration (ENA) in Abidjan and served for a long time in the senior civil service before entering politics.

Close to Laurent Gbagbo in the 2000s, Henriette Lagou, a graduate of the ENA (École Nationale d'Administration) and anthropologist, briefly served as Minister of Family, Women, and Children in the government led by Pascal Affi N'Guessan, between October and December 2000, before distancing herself. Running for president for the second time after her first attempt in 2015, in which she garnered less than 1% of the vote, she is now back with a platform focused on national reconciliation and strengthening the social fabric, in a political landscape still marked by post-election divisions.

BBC News Africa: You are running for president for the second time. Your platform emphasizes reconciliation. Why this choice?

Henriette Lagou: Reconciliation is essential. Our country has gone through a profound crisis, and the scars remain. It is urgent to allow Ivorians to dialogue and understand each other again. In Africa, oral tradition is fundamental: coming together, discussing, and resolving differences together. This is why I propose a national dialogue to achieve total reconciliation among all Ivorians.

BBC News Africa: You also mention the concept of "social boldness." What does it mean?

Henriette Lagou: Bold social action addresses the concrete needs of the people: health, education, housing... In some areas, you have to travel 50 kilometers to reach a health center. Children sometimes walk several kilometers to go to school. There is a real lack of infrastructure. Our goal: "one village, one health center" and "one village, one school." As for housing, social housing is insufficient. With a minimum wage of 75,000 CFA francs, how can a worker afford rents of 40,000 to 50,000 francs? It's not sustainable.

BBC News Africa: How do you plan to finance this social program? What are your economic priorities?

Henriette Lagou: Mechanizing agriculture is a priority. We're still working with archaic methods. Modernizing this sector, the driving force of our economy, is crucial. We also need to better distribute wealth so that growth benefits all Ivorians, not just a minority.

BBC News Africa: You represent the GPP party group. How are your relationships with other political parties?

Henriette Lagou: We have no problem with the other parties. Some don't have a candidate this year because their applications were rejected. But the presidential election isn't just a matter for the parties; it's first and foremost a matter for the people. Several parties have approached us to discuss collaboration or support. Others prefer to remain neutral, but I'm convinced that the people will make the right choice.

BBC News Africa: Fifteen years after the post-election crisis, what is your view of the country's record?

Henriette Lagou: Côte d'Ivoire has made progress, it's true, but much remains to be done. Political dialogue has gone through several phases, in which I participated. This has helped establish a certain institutional balance. I also contributed to the establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), on which I sat for two years. I define myself as a centrist: I talk with everyone and always call for calm.

BBC News Africa: You have extensive experience in senior civil service and politics. What are your strengths for leading the country?

Henriette Lagou: My entire background is an asset. I worked at the Treasury, so I know the administration and the workings of the state. But I'm also close to the people. I know practically all of Côte d'Ivoire, its villages, and its realities. You can't lead without knowing your people. I remain attached to our African traditions, because you can't govern without values. And above all, I believe it's time for a new generation to come to power. Alternation is also a guarantee of democratic vitality.