Tensions are rising within the National Union of Journalists of Côte d'Ivoire (UNJCI). Faced with the current impasse, the Council of Elders , supported by the organization's former presidents, has officially recommended postponing the 12th ordinary congress initially scheduled for March 25, 2026 .

Key points of the statement

In a statement published on Sunday, March 22, the internal regulatory body justified this request by two major factors:

1. The legalization of the conflict: Several proceedings are still ongoing in the courts, creating an unstable atmosphere.
2. The need for consensus: The Council believes that a congress cannot be held peacefully without successful prior mediation.

"The goal is to guarantee a consensual, fraternal and peaceful congress, faithful to the values of unity born in November 1991."

A significant boost for mediation

The reconciliation process has seen the arrival of César Etou Lahoua . A former high-ranking official of the Union (Secretary General, Vice-President and a historical figure at the congresses), he has agreed to join the Council of Elders to resolve the crisis.

His initial proposals:

1. Emergency meeting: A working session will be held this Monday, March 23, to establish an accelerated mediation schedule.
2. Total truce: Immediate suspension of all legal actions and of the logistical organization of the congress on March 25.
3. Call for calm: Invitation made to the various parties to cease all hostile rhetoric likely to further weaken the cohesion of the umbrella organization.

In summary

Current situation	Council Recommendations
Initial date of the Congress	March 25, 2026
Current status	Postponement strongly desired
Priority action	Mediation continues and legal proceedings are suspended.
Key mediator	César Etou Lahoua (reinforcing Yao Noël)

The Council of Wise Men remains convinced that a peaceful outcome is possible, provided that dialogue prevails over legal confrontation.