Houphouétisme is the neologism coined to designate the considerable thought, action, work and legacy of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the first President of the Ivorian Republic. Today, it is accepted by all Ivorians, regardless of political party. Held to be the national conscience, it constitutes the fundamental element of Ivorian unity, political identity and heritage.
The symposium on the theme of “Houphouétisme” is being held at a time when Côte d’Ivoire has embarked on an electoral process to renew the elected members of municipal and regional councils. It is a timely opportunity to develop a framework for scientific reflection and action with all the participants: academics, politicians, economists, women, young people, civil society leaders, traditional chiefs, etc. It is also an opportunity to put into perspective the thinking of Félix Houphouët-Boigny and the quest for political, economic and cultural independence that is a particular feature of African societies, and of most nations in general. The aim of this colloquium is to advance scientific reflection and to identify the philosophical and political content of Houphouétisme, which has been little studied.
Yet Houphouétisme has some original elements, since it synthesises Akan political thought, Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s traditional culture, of which he had a deep knowledge, Marxist thought, of which he gained some insight through his association with the French Communist Party, and finally the liberal thought that guided his actions as Head of State.
How did Félix Houphouët-Boigny develop an authentic political thought based on these diverse influences? What are his conceptions of man, society, politics, peace, cultural and religious diversity, exchanges between nations, development and openness to other African countries and the rest of the world?
How did he design the way to achieve his overriding objective of modernising Côte d’Ivoire, in terms of social change and economic development?
Is Houphouétisme still relevant today and does it provide the tools to operate on the realities of our society in its present configuration?
The discussion will focus on five areas in order to elucidate these issues:
- Houphouetism: conceptual and ideological approach
- Houphouetism: a political action
- Houphouetism: economic and social pragmatism
- Houphouetism: an original idea of peace
- Houphouetism: a liberal humanism
Papers and workshops will be organised around these themes.
Axis 1
Houphouetism: conceptual and ideological approach.
Sub-themes :
- Sources and values of Houphouetism
- Houphouetism: a concept, a vision, a plan for society
- The political philosophy of Félix Houphouët-Boigny
- Houphouetism and other political philosophies.
Axis 2
Houphouétisme: political action
Sub-themes :
- The anti-colonial struggle and decolonisation
- The Ivorian Constitution of 3 November 1960 and the organisation of public powers
- Defence policy
- National integration
- Immigration
- Family, women and youth policy
Axis 3
Houphouetism: economic and social pragmatism
Sub-themes :
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s economic philosophy from 1960 to 1993
- What development strategy? Agricultural policy, industrialisation, trade.
- The question of raw materials
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny, economic crises and underdevelopment
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s modernisation and major projects
- The policy of social redistribution (a bold social policy)
Axis 4
Houphouétisme: an original idea of peace
Sub-themes :
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny and peace
- Diplomacy in the service of cooperation and peace
- Conflict resolution and mediation in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and the world
- The UNESCO-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s messages of peace and their relevance today
Axis 5
Houphouetism: a liberal humanism.
Sub-themes :
- The Ivorian education system: what kind of man for what kind of society?
- Cultural policy
- The contribution of the media
- Tradition and modernity according to Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Panel
Testimonies on Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Each witness will have five (5) minutes to give a precise account of the various facets of Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s personality (politician, man of peace, humanist, man of culture, etc.) and his struggle (for independence, development and peace). The list is not exhaustive.
Target audience
The symposium is aimed at Ivorian and foreign academics (teachers, researchers, doctoral students), politicians, young leaders, economists, NGOs, civil society, and witnesses to the actions of Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Objectives of the symposium
The aims of the conference are as follows:
General objective
To promote a scientific approach and critical reflection on Houphouët-Boignyism.
Specific objectives
- To explain the foundations of Houphouétism and its relevance today
- To outline the building of a republican, democratic and social state
- Analyse the choice of economic liberalism as a means of developing Côte d’Ivoire
- Define the concept of peace and the role played by Houphouët-Boigny in conflict resolution and the quest for peace in the world
- Explain the major options for education, culture and development in Côte d’Ivoire
- Gather personal accounts of Houphouët-Boigny and his work
Methodology
The conference will take the form of panel discussions, papers (plenary presentations followed by discussions) and workshops on the conference themes.
Duration of the symposium
The conference will last three (3) days, i.e. from Monday, October 16 to Wednesday, October 18 2023.
Venue: Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research in Yamoussoukro (Republic of Côte d’Ivoire).
Expected results
At the end of the symposium, participants will be able to:
- Explain the foundations of Houphouétisme and its current relevance
- Outline the building of a republican, democratic and social state
- analyse the choice of economic liberalism as a means of developing Côte d’Ivoire
- Define the concept of peace and the role played by Houphouët-Boigny in conflict resolution and the quest for peace in the world
- Explain the major options for education, culture and development in Côte d’Ivoire
- Give an account of the life, thought and action of Félix Houphouët-Boigny through personal accounts
Calendar
- June 30, 2023: Deadline for receipt of paper proposals
- July 31, 2023: Notification of acceptance or rejection of paper proposals
- September 15, 2023: Deadline for submission of fully written papers
- October 17-19, 2023: Symposium held
- December 30, 2023: Submission of revised papers
- April 2024: Publication of conference proceedings
For the presentation of papers, conform to the standards of the
CAMES (www.lecames.org)
Papers should be returned to La Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny pour la recherche de la paix. Conference Secretariat :
E-mail: info@fondation-fhb.org
Partners
The conference is organised by the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research with partner universities: Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé, Daloa, Université Péléforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Université de Lomé, Togo, Université de N’Gaoundéré, Cameroun.
Working languages
The working language of the conference is French. However, papers in English are accepted.
Scientific committee
Chairman
Pr Robert Niamkey-Koffi, philosopher, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Members
Pr Daniel Baha Bi Youzan, sociologue, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Simon-Pierre Ekanza, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Jérémie N’Guessan Kouadio, linguiste, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Issiaka Mandé, historien, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Pr Justin N’Goran Koffi, chirurgien dentaire, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr David Musa Soro, philosophe, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké
Pr Denise Houphouët-Boigny, chimiste, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Jean-Noël Loucou, historien, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr N’Golo Soro, lettres modernes, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Ferdinand Tiona Ouattara, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Joachim Kouamé Aka, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Moritié Camara, historien, Université Alassane Ouattara
Pr Jean-Marc Palm, historien, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo de Ouagadougou
Pr Thierry Ezoa, philosophe, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Ramsès Boa Thiémélé, philosophe, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr René Kouamé Allou, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Tanoh Bekoin, historien, Université Alassane Ouattara
Pr Lath Yedo, juriste, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Guessan Kouadio, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Koffi Nutefe Sigbe, historien, Université de Lomé, Togo
Pr David Mokam, historien, Université de N’Gaoundéré, Cameroun
Pr Souleymane Sangaré, historien, Université Alassane Ouattara
Pr Mahomed N’Guessan, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Pr Mathias Savadogo, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Gilbert Gonin, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Moussa Paré, historien, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Komenan Houphouët, historien, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé, Daloa
Committee Secretariat
Dr Diénéba Doumbia, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Antoine Golé Koffi, Université Alassane Ouattara
Dr Sévérin Konin, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr André Dominique Yapi Yapi, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Bangali N’Goran, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé
Organizing Committee
President
Dr René-Pierre Anouma, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Members
Dr Kouakou N’Dri Laurent, Université Alassane Ouattara
Dr Alassane Diabaté, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Arthur Banga, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Marcellin Kangah, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Yao Kouakou Marcel, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé
Dr Désiré M’Brah, Université Alassane Ouattara
Dr Joseph Kobi Abo, Université Alassane Ouattara
Dr Coulibaly Dognima, Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny
Dr Evelyne Lodugnon, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Dr Félicité Kaby Guiré, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé
Mme Mariam F. Koulibaly, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Salah Ben Mohamed, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Kouakou Mathias, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Assoh Kadjané, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Frank Djamara, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Félix-Hervé Houphouët-Boigny, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Hamed Diomandé, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Ya Kouakou Jérôme, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Philippe Loucou, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Ernest Yao Koffi, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Lucien Tié Bi, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Yéo Doulourou, Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny
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