The general secretary of USP was Henri Tohou, who on 19 February 1990, initiated and led a small group of students from Yopougon University (Abidjan).
The MEECI was later replaced by FESCI (Federation of students and school pupils), founded in April 1990 under the leadership of Henri Tohou, Martial Ahipeaud, Azowa Beugre Amos, and Ahononga Gregoire.
Bi Sehi, Tohou, and hundreds of students fled the university campus and sought sanctuary in the cathedral Saint Paul of Plateaux-administrative center of Abidjan.
The party has been campaigning about the risk of a civil war in Côte d'Ivoire, but few Western countries paid attention to their warning.
Henri Tohou has been in exile in London since 1994 and is currently working hard with members of USP worldwide to stand as the youngest candidate for the next presidential elections.