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Actualité en Côte d’Ivoire – 5 décembre 2024

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Le Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara, a présidé ce jeudi 5 décembre 2024 un Conseil des Ministres au Palais de la Présidence à Abidjan. Les délibérations ont porté sur plusieurs projets de loi et d’ordonnance, ainsi que sur des mesures individuelles et diverses.

Financement pour les logements sociaux

Un accord majeur a été annoncé avec le Fonds d’Abu Dhabi pour le Développement (ADFD), qui octroie 31 milliards de francs CFA pour la construction de logements sociaux en Côte d’Ivoire. Cette initiative vise à améliorer les conditions de logement pour les familles à faibles revenus, avec la construction de 25 000 logements en location-vente, en location simple et en vente directe.

Nouvelles attributions pour la sécurité intérieure

Le Conseil a également adopté un décret autorisant l’ouverture de 12 postes d’Attachés de Sécurité Intérieure auprès de missions diplomatiques, dans le cadre des engagements internationaux de la Côte d’Ivoire en matière de sécurité. Ces postes sont répartis entre sept postes de rattrapage et cinq nouveaux postes créés auprès des missions diplomatiques accréditées au Burkina Faso, en Espagne, au Mali, à Malte et aux Pays-Bas.

Développement des ressources minières

Sept nouveaux permis de recherche minière ont été attribués, dans le but de renforcer le secteur minier et de stimuler l’économie du pays. Ces permis visent à encourager l’exploration et l’exploitation des ressources minières, tout en assurant une gestion durable et respectueuse de l’environnement.

Autres mesures importantes

Le Conseil a également adopté une ordonnance portant sur les attributions, l’organisation et le fonctionnement du Fonds National de garantie des Mutuelles Sociales de Côte d’Ivoire (FOMUS-CI). Ce fonds a pour mission de prévenir les défaillances éventuelles des mutuelles et de garantir leurs engagements contractuels envers leurs membres participants.

Conclusion

Ces nouvelles mesures et initiatives montrent l’engagement du gouvernement ivoirien à améliorer les conditions de vie de ses citoyens et à promouvoir le développement économique du pays. La coopération avec des partenaires internationaux comme les Émirats arabes unis témoigne de la volonté de la Côte d’Ivoire de poursuivre des projets ambitieux pour son avenir.

L’heure en Côte d’Ivoire

L’actualité en Côte d’Ivoire ce 2 décembre 2024

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Voici un résumé détaillé de l’actualité en Côte d’Ivoire ce 2 décembre 2024, basé sur plusieurs sources d’informations fiables.

Politique et gouvernance

  1. Révision de la liste électorale : La Commission Électorale Indépendante (CEI) a annoncé avoir enregistré 1,46 million de requérants, dont 943 157 nouvelles inscriptions. Cette opération vise à consolider la transparence électorale avant les prochaines échéances politiques cruciales.
  2. Nomination à l’ARTCI : Ouattara Lakoun a été nommé Directeur Général par intérim de l’Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications de Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI), marquant un nouveau chapitre pour l’institution après le limogeage de l’ancienne directrice générale.
  3. Dynamique politique locale : À Gagnoa, le RHDP a tenu une réunion de ralliement en présence de plusieurs cadres du parti. Cet événement vise à renforcer l’unité interne et à préparer les prochaines élections.

Économie et technologie

  1. Partenariats innovants : Orange, opérateur de télécommunications, a annoncé un partenariat stratégique avec OpenAI et Meta pour intégrer davantage les langues africaines dans les systèmes d’intelligence artificielle. Cette initiative reflète l’intérêt croissant pour la préservation et la promotion des langues locales.
  2. Secteur pétrolier : La Chambre africaine de l’énergie a exhorté la Côte d’Ivoire à poursuivre ses efforts pour attirer les investissements dans les secteurs du pétrole et du gaz, notamment à travers des projets comme Baleine.

Culture et société

  1. Décès d’un acteur ivoirien : Stéphane Zabavy, figure emblématique du cinéma ivoirien, est décédé, suscitant une vague d’émotions dans le milieu artistique.
  2. Promotion culturelle : Le secteur cinématographique continue de jouer un rôle central dans la promotion des talents locaux et l’exportation de la culture ivoirienne à l’international.

Infrastructures et coopération internationale

  1. Immigration et intégration : La France a inauguré un bureau de l’Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration à Abidjan, un geste témoignant du renforcement des relations bilatérales entre les deux pays dans le domaine de la migration.
  2. Accords avec la BAD : La Côte d’Ivoire a signé un protocole d’accord avec la Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) pour accueillir les assemblées annuelles en 2025, confirmant son rôle stratégique en Afrique de l’Ouest.

Santé et bien-être

Un accent particulier est mis sur les infrastructures d’accueil pour les personnes vulnérables, comme la pouponnière de Dabou, qui s’efforce de fournir des soins à des enfants vivant avec des handicaps lourds.

Ce résumé met en lumière les dynamiques socio-politiques, économiques, et culturelles en Côte d’Ivoire, illustrant un pays en pleine mutation. Pour plus de détails, vous pouvez consulter les sites d’information utilisés comme sources.

L’heure en Côte d’Ivoire

Message à la Nation du 6 août 2024 du Président Alassane Ouattara

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Discours du Chef de l’État à la Nation

Bonsoir à tous, mardi 6 août 2024, cela fait 64 ans que le premier Président de la nation ivoirienne, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a déclaré l’indépendance de la Côte d’Ivoire. Pour la première fois, l’Abidjanaise, l’hymne national ivoirien, a été exécutée par la Musique de la Garde Républicaine le 7 août 1960. Depuis cette date, ce moment symbolique est commémoré chaque année.

À la veille de cette célébration, le Chef de l’État s’adresse à la nation. Nous vous proposons de le retrouver en direct du Palais présidentiel pour son adresse solennelle :

Ivoiriennes, Ivoiriens, mes chers compatriotes, chers amis de la Côte d’Ivoire,

Je suis particulièrement heureux de m’adresser à vous à l’occasion de la célébration du 64ème anniversaire de l’indépendance de notre beau pays. C’est un jour très important pour nous tous, Ivoiriennes et Ivoiriens, ainsi que pour toutes les populations vivant en Côte d’Ivoire. La date du 7 août est chargée de symboles et de valeurs gravées en chacun de nous. C’est l’occasion de revisiter notre histoire et l’ambition de nos devanciers. En cela, le choix de la ville historique de Grand-Bassam, première capitale de la Côte d’Ivoire, pour abriter cette commémoration est un symbole important. Grand-Bassam nous rappelle l’héroïsme et la mémoire de Marie Koré, Anne-Marie Raggi, et de toutes ces vaillantes femmes, figures emblématiques de la lutte anticoloniale, qui ont marché en décembre 1949 pour réclamer la liberté et la justice. Elles ont su dépasser leurs différences, s’unir et marcher main dans la main pour une Côte d’Ivoire libre et indépendante. Elles sont une inspiration pour chaque Ivoirienne et chaque Ivoirien.

J’ai bien évidemment une pensée pieuse et pleine de reconnaissance pour le père de la nation, le Président Félix Houphouët-Boigny, ainsi que pour tous ses compagnons de lutte. Ils ont mené le combat pour l’indépendance de notre pays. Nous devons nous montrer dignes de tous les sacrifices qu’ils ont consentis dans notre marche résolue vers le progrès. Nous devons faire de la cohésion sociale le socle de notre développement. Les valeurs qu’ils nous ont léguées – la fraternité, l’union, la discipline, le travail – doivent être notre boussole et nous guider en toutes circonstances. Nous devons continuer de travailler pour la paix, rien que la paix : la paix sociale, la paix des cœurs.

Mes chers compatriotes,

La commémoration de notre accession à la souveraineté est aussi l’occasion de jeter un regard rétrospectif sur les avancées que nous avons enregistrées. C’est également l’opportunité de mieux apprécier les défis actuels et les enjeux futurs. Lors de mon discours sur l’état de la nation devant le Parlement réuni en Congrès le 18 juin dernier, j’ai largement présenté les principaux acquis de notre gouvernance au cours de ces dernières années et les défis auxquels nous devons faire face. Sans revenir sur tous les progrès enregistrés sur le plan économique et social, je voudrais surtout rappeler que notre ambition demeure l’amélioration du quotidien et des conditions de vie de tous nos concitoyens. Les performances économiques que nous enregistrons doivent profiter à tous. Tel est le but de notre programme intitulé “La Côte d’Ivoire solidaire”, ce qui justifie les investissements importants réalisés année après année dans les secteurs sociaux.

Mes chers compatriotes,

Nous sommes sur la bonne voie. Nos politiques macroéconomiques, nos réformes sectorielles et nos instruments de lutte contre la pauvreté ont montré leur pertinence et leur efficacité. Je suis heureux des progrès enregistrés en matière de capital humain, deuxième pilier du plan national de développement 2021-2025. Qu’il s’agisse d’indicateurs sociaux ou de développement, nous avons enregistré des progrès significatifs grâce aux nombreux projets et réformes mis en œuvre dans le secteur de la santé, de l’éducation, de l’enseignement technique et de la formation professionnelle, ainsi que de la nutrition. Ainsi, au niveau de l’éducation, de l’enseignement supérieur, de l’enseignement technique et de la formation professionnelle, nous travaillons à mieux préparer nos enfants et notre jeunesse aux défis du monde moderne et à leur insertion socioprofessionnelle. J’encourage le gouvernement à poursuivre et à accélérer ses efforts pour que le programme jeunesse produise encore plus d’impact et de résultats tangibles. Nous devons offrir davantage d’opportunités pour l’expression du talent et du génie créatif de nos jeunes.

Au niveau de la santé, dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du programme hospitalier qui vise à renforcer les infrastructures, les services et le personnel de santé, nous travaillons à offrir aux populations des centres de santé de référence dans toutes les régions. Ce maillage resserré des infrastructures sanitaires sur le territoire national concourt à l’extension de l’offre de soins et de la couverture maladie universelle, en vue de garantir à nos populations des soins de santé de qualité à moindre coût. Le rythme de progression de l’enrôlement de nos populations à la CMU est encourageant. Cependant, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour que cet instrument de solidarité nationale puisse bénéficier à un plus grand nombre de personnes.

Dans ce contexte, notre politique de décentralisation sera poursuivie et renforcée par une meilleure prise en charge des priorités locales. S’agissant de la lutte contre la vie chère, j’entends les préoccupations de nos compatriotes. Malgré les mesures que nous avons prises, à savoir l’augmentation du SMIG, la revalorisation importante des salaires des fonctionnaires et agents de l’État, les subventions des prix des produits de première nécessité, la subvention des prix de l’électricité et du carburant, et le déploiement des filets sociaux à travers le pays, les attentes demeurent importantes. Nous continuerons nos efforts pour accroître l’offre de production, notamment des produits vivriers, améliorer la chaîne logistique et la mise sur le marché de produits transformés localement. Je demande donc au Premier ministre, Chef du gouvernement, de poursuivre les efforts et d’accélérer la mise en œuvre des projets dans le cadre d’un plan réactualisé pour plus d’efficacité dans la lutte contre la vie chère, à laquelle le monde entier, et en particulier les pays africains, font face avec acuité.

Dans l’intervalle, et s’agissant du cas particulier de nos vaillants retraités qui ont tant donné à la nation, j’ai décidé de les accompagner davantage en instituant le 1er septembre de chaque année une prime spéciale correspondant au tiers de leur pension mensuelle. Les dispositions seront prises pour que nos retraités des secteurs public et privé bénéficient dès ce mois de septembre 2024 de cette nouvelle prime.

S’agissant du monde rural, nous veillons à poursuivre l’application rigoureuse de notre politique de commercialisation des produits d’exportation en vue de préserver nos producteurs des effets de l’instabilité des cours des matières premières. Nos politiques sociales ont fait reculer la pauvreté en Côte d’Ivoire. Cependant, nous restons conscients des efforts complémentaires à fournir, et c’est pourquoi nous demeurons engagés à construire une solidarité toujours plus grande pour le plus grand nombre. Nos populations, surtout les moins favorisées, doivent être mieux protégées et mieux accompagnées.

Mes chers compatriotes, chers frères, chères sœurs,

Dans notre marche vers le développement, les décisions parfois difficiles que nous avons à prendre peuvent provoquer des incompréhensions ou même de la colère. Notre devoir est de rester attentifs à vos préoccupations et de travailler à minimiser les conséquences des exigences du développement d’un pays moderne sur les populations impactées. J’ai instruit le gouvernement à l’effet de prendre toutes les dispositions nécessaires pour accélérer et finaliser l’indemnisation des familles concernées par les libérations des emprises dans le cadre des travaux des voies d’accès au 4ème pont, conformément à nos pratiques dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre des projets de développement. La solidarité de l’État doit se manifester dans le respect des lois et des droits de chaque citoyen.

C’est l’occasion pour moi d’exprimer mes regrets pour les pertes en vies humaines enregistrées pendant les fortes pluies de ces derniers mois, malgré toutes les mesures prises dans les zones à risque. Je présente mes condoléances les plus émues aux familles des victimes et je voudrais à nouveau les assurer de l’assistance et du soutien du gouvernement. Cette situation nous interpelle sur l’importance de l’accès au logement et de l’accession à la propriété immobilière pour tous, quel que soit le niveau de revenu. C’est pourquoi, tirant des enseignements des programmes antérieurs, la réforme du programme de logements sociaux a permis d’intégrer des modes plus flexibles d’accession à la propriété, ainsi qu’une implication plus forte de l’État, notamment dans la recherche de financements plus adaptés. De nouveaux mécanismes mis en place permettront d’atteindre prioritairement nos concitoyens les moins nantis qui ne peuvent accéder à un logement décent sans l’aide de l’État. J’encourage mes compatriotes à se rapprocher de tous les guichets de ces différents programmes.

Mes chers compatriotes,

La commémoration de l’indépendance de notre pays est l’occasion de célébrer et de rendre hommage aux forces vives de la nation : nos vaillants producteurs et travailleurs, nos femmes courageuses, notre jeunesse active, notre dynamique secteur privé. Vous faites la richesse et la vitalité de notre beau pays, la Côte d’Ivoire. Bravo et merci à chacune et chacun de vous.

À nos forces de l’ordre, je veux redire la reconnaissance de la nation pour le professionnalisme et le sens du sacrifice dont vous faites preuve au quotidien pour garantir la sécurité à nos frontières et à l’intérieur de notre pays. Vous êtes le rempart qui protège notre oasis de paix et de développement.

Pour ma part, mon engagement en faveur de la paix, de la sécurité et de la cohésion sociale ne faiblira jamais. Dans la droite ligne de l’héritage du président Félix Houphouët-Boigny, la Côte d’Ivoire doit demeurer une terre de paix, d’hospitalité et de sécurité pour toutes ses filles et ses fils, ainsi que pour tous ses habitants.

La commémoration de l’indépendance est également l’occasion du pardon. C’est pourquoi, au niveau de la justice et conformément à l’article 66 de la Constitution, j’ai signé un décret accordant la grâce présidentielle à environ 2400 détenus de droit commun condamnés pour des infractions mineures.

Mes chers compatriotes,

La commémoration de l’indépendance de notre pays ravive en chacun de nous les valeurs fondamentales de notre belle nation : l’union, la discipline et le travail. Elle nous invite au rassemblement autour de ces valeurs qui fondent notre idéal commun d’une société solidaire et prospère. J’invite donc toutes les populations de Grand-Bassam, des villes et des villages environnants, au grand défilé sur l’autoroute pour venir célébrer la grandeur de notre beau pays à travers le magnifique défilé de nos forces de défense et de sécurité ainsi que de notre jeunesse, notamment ceux issus des écoles et lycées d’excellence de notre pays.

Bonne fête de l’indépendance à toutes et à tous. Vive la République, vive la Côte d’Ivoire. Que Dieu bénisse notre beau pays.

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Alassane Ouattara has Cancer

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According to Chris Yapi, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaF0rwvOfZ8), gravely Ill, Alassane Ouattara Urgently Travels to Paris for Intensive Cancer Treatment

Alassane Ouattara is gravely ill, a fact known to everyone, the Ivorian investigative journalist said. Even without being a doctor, his physical and mental deterioration is apparent. Physically, he appears to be darkening due to the cortisone-based medications and chemotherapy he is undergoing. He suffers from hypertension and seems to take antihypertensive medication every 30 minutes. He appears bloated, constantly under the influence of powerful medications administered to him.

More alarming symptoms indicate his serious condition. He has become moody and irritable, often freezes, and suffers from memory loss, much like US President Joe Biden. This elderly man, who has been suffering from cancer for a long time, is known to everyone. A sickly old man with a history of cerebrospinal meningitis during his childhood, at over 82 years old, is losing his strength.

As mentioned, he must regularly travel to Paris for intensive medical treatments. His medical trip is scheduled for this week, and he will be in the French capital for eight days for his treatment. His advance team has already arrived in Paris and is waiting for him. His doctors are adamant that he needs these intensive treatments every two months to avoid a relapse, which could be fatal. Thanks to medical advancements, each of these trips helps him gain strength and continue for a while longer. However, deep down, he knows that the end is near as his illness progresses.

The tyrant Ouattara seems to resent the entire world. According to him, all Ivorian political actors are as ill as he is. Regarding President Gbagbo, he claims that Gbagbo is epileptic and that his meetings and other fiery speeches no longer concern him because he believes that Laurent Gbagbo will soon die. He acts like God, decreeing life and death as he pleases.

As for his arch-enemy Guillaume Soro, it is clear that Alassane Ouattara harbors an obsessive, pathological hatred for him. He dreams only of Soro’s death and eagerly looks for signs that his despised enemy’s death is imminent. He is so obsessed with Soro’s demise that he authorizes his team to provoke a malicious article in Jeune Afrique. Of course, there was no better person for this dirty job than Marwan Benyamed.

Not everyone knows about Marwan Benyamed’s health, but the African press and journalists, particularly in Africa, know that this man is a hard drug addict and a participant in orgies. He wrote an article claiming that Guillaume Soro is dying but refuses to call Alassane Ouattara for help. Yet, the lagoon dictator would be ready to help. The purpose of this article was to reveal that Guillaume Soro no longer takes the initiative to call the Ivorian despot, while the latter desperately waits for the call.

The most outrageous part is that they insinuated that the president of Generations and Peoples Solidarity (GPS) suffers from cancer, causing his weight loss and that he might even be at death’s door. Meanwhile, the old crook, playing the Good Samaritan, is ready to do everything in his power to save his enemy from death. The real problem is that they hope Guillaume Soro will respond to this accusation and provide them with material to sell more newspapers. Otherwise, where was this benevolence when they spent billions of francs tracking him down across the globe to arrest or even assassinate him? Isn’t it this Good Samaritan who sentenced him to life imprisonment and vehemently refuses any form of political settlement of their dispute?

As his health declines, Alassane Ouattara increasingly deludes himself, mistaking his desires for reality. He has come to believe, at least subconsciously, that Presidents Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro have only a few days to live, and he looks forward to burying them before himself. But it is God who decides everyone’s fate. The lagoon dictator does not realize that history has swept away many dictators before him. We have all seen Hosni Mubarak and Ben Ali, once all-powerful, lose everything in 48 hours, caught in the whirlwind of history.

At over 82 years old, Alassane Ouattara could be betrayed by his health or find himself caught in the whirlwind of history.

In 2021 Ivory Coast Prime minister Hamed Bakayoko died of cancer in Germany.

What went wrong with Daniel Kablan’s Project?

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In January 2016, Daniel Kablan, who was the Prime Minister of the Ivory Coast at that told the ivorian population and the World Bank that his “development objective of the Côte d’Ivoire is to transform into “an emerging country by 2020”. Four years after, the country is in a worse situation. So the question is what went wrong?
Mr. Kablan never told his fellow citizens why he did not achieve the promised goal. Instead, the government which was very loud about that vision has become mute. All what is now talked about is how many bridges President Ouattara built.

In 2016, Daniel Kablan’s government said in a presentation meant for the World Bank:

“The development objective of the Côte d’Ivoire is to transform into “an emerging country by 2020”. In order to achieve this, we’ll be relying on a vision of capitalism with a human face, and a coherent strategy for planning development.

To this end, the Côte d’Ivoire is implementing structural and sectoral reforms that have resulted in an average annual economic growth of more than 9% over the past four years. It is therefore in the top five of the most dynamic economies in the world and aims to consolidate its achievements.

These reforms resulted in the stabilization of the macroeconomic framework, with a budget deficit of 2.2% of GDP in 2013 and 2014, below the standard 3% of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), a sustainable debt (less than 37%) and a rate of inflation contained at 0.4% in 2014, and that it is expected to reach about 1.7% in 2015. They have also produced some results that deserve to be highlighted, including: a ranking in the Top 10 countries reforming the business climate by the 2014 and 2015 Doing Business Reports of the World Bank Group; a ranking as the 8th most competitive African economy according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2015; acceptance to the “Open Government Partnership (OGP)” international initiative in October 2015; B+ rating by the Fitch Ratings agency and from B1 to Ba3 with a stable outlook by the Moody’s agency; obtaining Threshold in 2014 in the framework of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and eligibility in December 2015 of the Côte d’Ivoire to the MCC Compact.

The next four years

During the 2016-2020 period, the government intends to continue structural reforms in order to create the right conditions for strengthening the contribution of the international and domestic private sector in the economy, including in the form of a public-private partnership. This will involve creating new opportunities for diversification based on its comparative advantages and the sustainable integration into regional and global value chains.

A greater impetus will be given to the processing of agricultural products (including cocoa, cashew, and cotton) through the stimulation of industrial production. The industrialization of the country will be supported by private investment, whose share in the overall investment is increasing and should rise from 65% in 2015 to 70% in 2020.

Support measures tailored to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will be strengthened to enhance their contribution to GDP and to boost the creation of jobs for young people. Innovation and skill development will contribute significantly to this process by making the most of the demographic dividend.

Looking ahead to new sectors of growth

Furthermore, the Côte d’Ivoire will pay particular attention to the birth of new sectors of growth, such as renewable energies, information and communication technologies and the mass retail sector that attracts large international groups.

The continuous improvement of the business environment to make our economy one of the most attractive in Africa, or even worldwide, the enhanced attention to quality standards, the strengthening of competition and the realization of the economic potential of the land capital are areas in which we will be investing relentlessly.

It is therefore pleasing to observe that the conditions essential to the prosperity of our economy and to the wellbeing of our people are growing stronger by the day. The country has re-established political stability and the climate of peace that characterised its past reputation, following the peaceful elections of October 2015.

The Côte d’Ivoire remains very committed to the process of regional integration in order to build a common market, uniting the 15 ECOWAS countries of more than 300 million consumers. It pays particular attention to consolidating peace and security in the sub-region, while ensuring a strong involvement in common efforts to achieve the objectives of sustainable development.

We have faith in the future of our country, in the capacity of the Ivorian people to achieve the economic transformation of the Côte d’Ivoire, in the construction of a modern nation with strong institutions, for its emergence by 2020.

Author: Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire. He is participating in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos.” (World Economic Forum)

President Laurent Gbagbo’s Speech in Bonoua: A Significant Event

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Friends, dear brothers of Bonoua, I greet you and thank you. I first greet the people of my generation, as I have just been integrated into a new generation. Before arriving here, I went to greet the king. To all of you, known and unknown, I extend my greetings.

Mr. Mayor, Mr. Amétier, I participated in a ceremony with your father, who did a remarkable job by pushing the authorities to repatriate the remains of Ivorian resistance fighters. During the anti-colonial resistance, two important figures were arrested in Côte d’Ivoire and sent to Gabon: Sam, arrested in Guemou in Yakuba country, and another fighter. Mr. Amétier’s father approached Houphouët-Boigny to obtain the return of these resistance fighters’ remains.

Mr. Amétier’s father undertook a similar effort to obtain the remains of Cadio Amangoa. For us, Abouré, and for all of Côte d’Ivoire, Cadio Amangoa is seen as a lion, and he acted accordingly. I told my comrades from the FPI that the return of Cadio Amangoa’s remains was not a party matter but a national one. I then arranged for Mr. Amétier to organize an official ceremony so that all Ivorians could honor this fighter.

Mr. Mayor, thank you for being here. I know many people in Bonoua, like Oba Albert, with whom I spent two years in prison. Although he was from the PDCI and I from the FPI, we were friends. I also know Venance and others that people like Cadio Amangoa must be honored and continue to be honored.

I am here on July 14, a date that those over 30 must remember. Here in Bonoua, my first podium was set up for an FPI meeting on July 14, 1990. It was the first meeting organized after multipartism was granted on April 30. The FPI, PIT, USD, and the Socialist Party of Mauritania Bamba decided to hold a joint demonstration in Korhogo. But after this joint demonstration, the first FPI-only meeting was held here, in Bonoua.

I salute Mathias, who is a brave man. The day we were tear-gassed here, he protected me by taking me to the home of the current deputy’s father, Écra, for shelter. The battle was tough that day, and I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Someone asked Écra if Gbagbo often comes to Bonoua. Although I am usually in Abidjan, I couldn’t come earlier due to my busy schedule. Écra asked me to come, and I told him that I had to first go to the West, where the suffering was more intense. What happened in the western region was almost genocide, with over 1,000 deaths in a single day. That’s why I am here now, to greet you.

My dear friends, we must organize ourselves so that this government is no longer in place in 2025. I use this platform to tell all politicians that I open my arms to those who wish for a clear and healthy coalition to defeat this government. However, loyalty and honesty are essential in this endeavor.

To succeed in the elections, we need identity cards. Between 2000 and 2010, I ensured that identity cards were free. I ask the State to make a financial effort for the poorest and provide them with free identity documents.

I know a friend whose electricity bill increased from 300,000 to 900,000 francs. This is the result of a bad government. Life is expensive, and even to come here, we had to pass through costly tolls.

There is also the problem of water poisoning by cyanide and mercury used in gold mining. This poisons rivers and kills children and women who wash clothes there.

In conclusion, I came here to greet you, not to campaign. I will return for that. In the meantime, I thank you all, and I especially thank Mr. Mayor and those who participated in this meeting. Never regret having fought, because those who fight are honored. May God bless Côte d’Ivoire.

Ivory Coast: Africa’s Most Dynamic Economy (Documentary)

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(Arte,  9 août 2023) Delighted to be with you for this new episode of “Dessous des Cartes”. We start this show in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan, nicknamed “Baby”, is a booming, bustling, polluted, and chaotic city. A colossal metro project is underway after countless delays. Abidjan also has one of the most important ports on the continent and an airport that handled 2 million passengers in 2021. The Plateau district, known as the African Manhattan, the beaches, and the beautiful houses of Cocody. Côte d’Ivoire, or the land of elephants, the animal and its emblem, would, according to the Prosperity Index, be the country that increased its prosperity the most in the world between 2011 and 2021. According to another ranking, it is the happiest country in West Africa. Of course, without underestimating the structural problems that Ivorians are far from having all overcome—centralism and political clientelism, inequality, regional insecurity—we wanted to visit this Africa of possibilities. Let’s get out our maps, and here is Côte d’Ivoire, this West African country located on the western part of the Gulf of Guinea, bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. Côte d’Ivoire is surrounded by three Francophone countries: Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, and on its flanks, two Anglophone countries: Liberia and Ghana. Covering an area of 322,500 km², the Ivorian territory resembles a quadrilateral split in two, with plateaus in the north and plains in the south, with a more mountainous terrain in the west.

### Climate and Geography
In terms of climate, Côte d’Ivoire is also divided into two. In the south, below the capital Yamoussoukro, the climate is equatorial and very humid, whereas the north has a dry tropical climate with generally higher temperatures. Consequently, the south is the territory of the forest, even though its surface area has significantly decreased. The primary forest has almost disappeared outside of national parks like Taï or Banco in the heart of Abidjan. The north, meanwhile, hosts a savannah landscape with vast expanses of grasslands and scattered trees. In this northern half of the country, you mainly find cereal fields such as millet, sorghum, and cotton. Over the past 20 years, cashew orchards have developed, making Côte d’Ivoire the world’s largest producer today. In the southern half, two major export crops dominate: coffee and, especially, cocoa. Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, accounting for 45% of global production. This raw material alone accounts for 15% of the national GDP. In addition to these large-scale intensive crops, there are other crops such as bananas, pineapples, and palm oil. Côte d’Ivoire also benefits from a rich subsoil with gold mines, iron mines, some bauxite, diamonds, manganese, nickel, and since the 1980s, oil. Although the share of petroleum products in Ivorian exports has remained modest, the company ENI discovered a deep-water deposit in 2021 estimated at 2 billion barrels, equivalent to about a quarter of Angola’s oil reserves.

### Human Geography and Demographics
Côte d’Ivoire is also a country with a complex human geography. The official language of its 22 million inhabitants is French, but there are over 63 ethnic groups spread across four regional linguistic groups: the Akan, the Gour, the Mandé, and the Kru. The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is also a multi-religious country, with 42% Muslims, 34% Christians, and a significant proportion of animists. The structure of Ivorian society has evolved considerably since the 19th century. In 1902, Côte d’Ivoire was integrated into French West Africa, marking the beginning of development based on the exploitation of coffee, forests, cotton, and especially cocoa, an economy that relied on labor from the entire region. In 1960, Côte d’Ivoire became independent, but this immigration policy continued under President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who had been a deputy and several times a minister of the French Republic, and who was himself a coffee and cocoa planter. In 1983, he even made his hometown of Yamoussoukro the new administrative capital of the country. Upon his death in 1993, he left behind a country weakened by years of personal power, the fall in commodity prices, and the structural adjustment plans of the IMF and the World Bank.

### Political History and Economic Development
In 1995, Henri Konan Bédié, supported by France, was elected but implemented a xenophobic doctrine called “Ivoirité” to exclude his opponents, feeding discontent in a country where foreigners and descendants of foreigners are numerous. As a result, Côte d’Ivoire gradually plunged into civil war. In 2002, a coup attempt against then-President Laurent Gbagbo divided the country in two: the rebellion supported by Burkina Faso controlled the north, and the presidential camp controlled the south. It wasn’t until March 2007 that President Laurent Gbagbo and former rebel leader Guillaume Soro signed an agreement leading to the country’s reunification and the organization of elections. In 2010, Alassane Ouattara won these elections, but Laurent Gbagbo refused to relinquish power. In 2011, after violent clashes and the intervention of French forces and UN peacekeepers, Gbagbo was arrested and charged by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. However, in 2021, Laurent Gbagbo returned to Ivorian soil after his acquittal by the ICC.

Despite the civil war and persistent North-South inequalities and a precarious security context in the region, Côte d’Ivoire’s macroeconomic indicators have been favorable, with an average GDP growth of 8.2% between 2012 and 2019. After the civil war, Côte d’Ivoire returned to strong growth, even maintaining positive growth at 2% despite the COVID-19 pandemic, rising to 7% in 2021. These performances were made possible by a policy of major works throughout the country. Signs of these changes include the renovation of the University of Abidjan and the inauguration of a third bridge over the Ébrié Lagoon, the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, in the economic capital in December 2014. In the north, the city of Bouaké, which was the rebels’ capital during the civil war, has been transformed with the reconstruction of economic infrastructure like its grand market and the redevelopment of its surroundings. The ports of San Pedro and Abidjan, essential to the country’s economy, have also undergone extension and modernization projects. The main downside is an inflation rate that reached an average of 5% in January 2023, mainly due to rising food prices. More importantly, Côte d’Ivoire remains marked by significant disparities geographically, always between the North and the South, with the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire concentrating 80% of economic activity and 21.7% of the Ivorian population. Socio-economically, the country ranked 159th out of 191 in the 2021 Human Development Index defined by the United Nations Development Programme.

### Security Concerns and Foreign Influence
In this context, Côte d’Ivoire has not escaped the geographic expansion of the jihadist threat in the Sahel, particularly in southern Mali and southwestern Burkina Faso. In 2015, a cell linked to the Ansardine group operating on its northern border was dismantled following joint operations between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. However, a year later, in March 2016, the resort town of Grand-Bassam in the south was hit by a commando from Mali, resulting in the deaths of 19 people. On the night of June 10-11, 2020, Ivorian security forces were directly attacked in Kafolo. The attackers were repelled, but Abidjan was shocked. Other attacks using improvised explosive devices were also carried out by jihadist groups in northern Côte d’Ivoire between 2020 and 2021. In response, authorities have increased investments in the north of the country, particularly in the Comoé National Park. Militarily, France remains a key military partner of Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, with 900 soldiers stationed at Port-Bouët camp in the suburbs of Abidjan. However, instability in neighboring Burkina Faso undermines essential security cooperation in the north of the country. In 2020, the Ivorian and Burkinabe armies conducted joint Operation Comoé to dismantle terrorist bases attempting to establish themselves in the border area between the two states. But in early 2023, the Burkinabe army demanded the departure of the 400 French soldiers based in Ouagadougou as part of its search for new partners. Its security priority remains the north and east of the country, where the terrorist threat is concentrated. In Mali, the arrest in July 2022 of 49 Ivorian soldiers of the UN mission in Mali at Bamako airport by Malian authorities confirmed the persistence of degraded relations. These Ivorian soldiers, labeled as mercenaries, were sentenced before being pardoned in January 2023.

This concludes our journey in Côte d’Ivoire, the Africa of possibilities despite persistent problems—centralism and political clientelism, North-South division, significant inequalities, and a challenging security context. Côte d’Ivoire is courted by various influences, notably Russian. For example, cartoons identified as coming from the Prigozhin universe, the head of the Wagner militia, depicted triumphant African armies against the French invader thanks to Wagner soldiers. Countries cited in the cartoon include Mali, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. To go further, check out “.

NB: IvoryCoast.ci does not necessarily share the view of Arte. They were published to show another perspective of the country. The discussion is open and you are invited to share your opinion with our readers

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Ivorian Diaspora

Ivory Coast Evening News July 13th

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Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the channel that stays close to the people. We’re delighted to have you with us for your news report.

**Top Stories**:
This weekend, after the euphoria of celebrations, new high school graduates must face the challenge of choosing their future paths. To help them, a career guidance fair has been organized. Details will be provided by our reporters in a few moments.

**International News**:
A tragedy has struck in central Nigeria. In the middle of an exam session, students were killed when their school building collapsed. Thank you for your loyalty.

Heading to the Marcory community, the Circle of Ivorian Pens organized a press conference to give a special touch to literature in our country through Festi Plume, a book festival aimed at promoting literary figures. Details with Justin Cassi and Joë Gosé. The goal is to promote Ivorian literature and create a dynamic space for exchange and learning among book enthusiasts. Festi Plume, dedicated to books, will take place from August 23 to 24 in Cocody-Angré. The aim is to encourage Ivorians to appreciate their literature, allowing the public to meet Ivorian writers, interact with them, and understand their motivations, hopefully inspiring others to enter the book industry.

Over three days, book lovers will gather around the theme “The Book as a Source of Development.” Activities include reading and writing workshops, and exhibitors such as librarians, writers, and publishers will all be present in one place, much like the upcoming House of Books, created in 2024 by writer Fuan Draman. The Circle of Ivorian Pens (CPI) has over 200 members, including writers, librarians, publishers, readers, and book lovers.

**Religious News**:
The Muslim community celebrated the first day of the Islamic New Year on Sunday, July 7. The celebration included meals and prayers, a chance for families to reunite and share unforgettable moments. In Cocody, the Ouattara family happily began the Islamic New Year in good health and joy. It was a time for family members to embrace and wish each other success and paradise in the New Year. The family’s favorite meal was cooked for the occasion. Once the table was set, parents and children enjoyed the meal together.

In contrast, the Diabaté family in Marcory preferred to start the first day of Muharram with worship. The Imam reminded them of the day’s significance, urging them to pray and teach their children about the Islamic New Year. As seen, the first day of the Islamic New Year is celebrated differently within the Muslim community.

**Christian Community**:
Saint Mark Parish in Yopougon celebrated the 40th anniversary of the CVAV movement last Sunday. New members received scarves symbolizing personal ascension in a festive atmosphere. Reports by Justin Kassi and Assita Diara. The CVAV movement has supported the church for 40 years, educating young Catholics. The ceremony included 36 children, with 11 between 3-6 years, 9 between 7-10 years, and 16 between 11-14 years, receiving scarves. It’s a joyous occasion, with children learning about salvation and behavior in social settings. The event marked their official entry and commitment to the CVAV movement, which aims to increase the Catholic population by involving children in evangelism.

**Local Conflicts**:
In Pakwabo sub-prefecture, conflicts between farmers and herders threaten social cohesion. Some farmers have been asked to leave their villages due to ongoing disputes. To address this, the sub-prefect initiated an inter-community dialogue focusing on conflict prevention and resolution, compensation for victims, and administrative conflict management. This inclusive dialogue was well-received, emphasizing the need for peace and understanding between communities. Future meetings aim to establish a platform for joint development projects to strengthen social cohesion.

**Education**:
More than 1000 candidates passed the 2024 baccalaureate exams. Following celebrations, new graduates face the challenge of choosing their future paths. To assist them, a career guidance fair was organized, where future students met with career counselors to make informed decisions. Details with Abdouaziz Guira, Aïa Guiri, and Joë Gosé will be provided in our upcoming editions.

**Health**:
Sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, is a public health issue in Daloa. The DREFAMSI association organized an awareness event to highlight the dangers of this disease. Report by William Kakou and Kader Sogodogo. Recognized as a public health priority by the United Nations, sickle cell disease requires significant attention. At the awareness event, specialists urged parents to seek medical help if their child exhibits symptoms such as frequent pain or pallor. The DREFAMSI president emphasized the need for better understanding and management of the disease.

**Tragedy in Nigeria**:
At least 16 students were killed on Friday when their school collapsed in Nigeria during exams. The incident occurred at Saint Academy in Plateau State. The students, all in uniform, were taking exams when the building gave way.

**Algerian Presidential Election**:
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming September 7 presidential election, seeking a second term. His declaration came during a television interview.

**Natural Disaster in Nepal**:
At least 66 people are missing after a landslide swept two buses into a river in central Nepal on Friday. The accident happened about 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu.

**Special Guest**:
We now welcome Mr. Aristide Aké, organizer of the “Most Choco Baby” contest. Good evening, Mr. Aké. Can you tell us about the contest and why it was initiated?
– **Mr. Aké**: The “Most Choco Baby” contest promotes maternal and child well-being, encouraging mothers to attend health centers and follow proper prenatal care.
– **Criteria for Participation**: Children aged 3 months to 2 years, up-to-date vaccinations, maternal prenatal and postnatal consultations, breastfeeding for six months, a birth certificate, proper weight and nutrition, and a photo. Registration is done at health centers.
– **Event Locations**: The competition will be held in various cities including Tafire, Boundiali, Wangolo, Gagnwa, Lakota, Divo, Marcory, Cocody, and Abobo.
– **Importance of Prenatal Consultations**: Prenatal consultations help confirm pregnancy, detect and treat any complications, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
– **Event Program**: Activities include blood donation drives, clean-up campaigns, catch-up vaccination sessions, and mobile consultations, culminating in the “Most Choco Baby” contest.
– **6th Edition**: This year’s contest adds a “Fastest Baby” category, starting on August 1 in Tafire, with the finals in September.

 
Original Video in French:

Ivory Coast to Make the 2025 Elections More Digital

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The Electoral Commission of the Ivory Coast (CEI) has decided to go digital for the upcoming elections in 2025.

By enhancing its staff’s skills in digital communication, the CEI aims to share useful information in real-time for the smooth running of the electoral cycle, encouraging citizens towards greater confidence and transparency.

Furthermore, the CEI will be more attentive to voters on social media and will respond to any erroneous information or rumors that might undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Digital communication, now essential, provides the CEI with tools to act in real-time on social media, boosting its electoral communication strategy to maintain voter confidence.

The digital approach will reinforce the CEI’s transparency with voters for the Presidential election in October 2025.

Laurent Gbagbo, the main opposition leader is still not on the voting list although he has been chosen by his party (PPACI) to be their candidate for the 2025 presidential elections. A situation that could lead to trouble if President Ouattara does nothing to reintegrate Gbagbo in his basic civil rights.

We recommend also: Tidjane Thiam: The Rise and Fall of a Banking Visionary

Tidjane Thiam: A Career of Triumphs and Scandals

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Explore the captivating journey of Tidjane Thiam, from steering Credit Suisse to record results to the scandalous espionage affair that led to his resignation. Delve deep into the intriguing story of the first Franco-Ivorian to lead a prestigious European bank.

Thiam’s Leadership and Record Results

Tidjane Thiam, the trailblazer who guided Credit Suisse for five years, has left an indelible mark on the bank’s history. Despite the scandal-ridden exit, his tenure witnessed a remarkable turnaround in the bank’s performance, culminating in record-breaking results on the cusp of his departure.

Challenges and Restructuring

Thiam’s tenure at Credit Suisse wasn’t without hurdles. He navigated through a significant restructuring in 2018, steering the bank through turbulent times. The shares halving during his early months in office posed a daunting challenge, but his strategic vision steered the bank towards recovery and eventual success.

Atypical Profile and Prestigious Education

Delve into the captivating background of Tidjane Thiam, the son of a Senegalese minister and nephew of the Ivorian president. His education at prestigious institutions such as the School of Mines and INSEE laid the foundation for his extraordinary career in finance and leadership.

Triumphs in Planning, Insurance, and Banking


Before his remarkable stint at Credit Suisse, Thiam had already carved a successful path in planning, insurance, and banking. From serving as the minister of planning and development in Ivory Coast to leading the British insurance group Prudential, his journey was defined by triumphs and strategic leadership.

Espionage Scandal and Resignation

Uncover the gripping narrative surrounding the espionage scandal that tarnished Thiam’s tenure. The hailstorm of controversy began with an altercation in the international wealth management sector and subsequently led to his resignation, despite an internal investigation clearing him of direct involvement.

Speculation and Future Prospects

As the dust settles on Thiam’s resignation, speculation revolves around his potential return to politics, with rumors of a looming candidacy for the presidential election in Ivory Coast. The suspense surrounding his plans and the creation of support groups on social networks add an intriguing twist to the tale.

As we summarize, let’s just say that Tidjane Thiam’s journey at Credit Suisse exemplifies a narrative of triumphs marred by controversies. His leadership, the scandal, and the speculation about his prospects create a compelling saga that continues to captivate the financial world.

We also recommend: Exposed! The Unseen Battle of Tribalism Inside Ivory Coast’s Oldest Political Party!