Abidjan is currently gripped by a series of significant developments, with widespread demolitions and evictions across the city taking center stage. Alongside these pressing social concerns, recent elections within the Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) and the anticipation surrounding the 2026 Football World Cup are also drawing considerable attention.
Regarding the ongoing evictions in Abidjan, various perspectives have emerged. Euphrasie N’Guessan has notably expressed strong solidarity with those affected by the demolition operations, extending support to the victims. However, opposition figures like Pascal Affi N’Guessan have sharply criticized the government’s handling of the situation, labeling it a significant failure for President Alassane Ouattara and asserting that the current administration is not effectively governing the Ivorian populace. Critics have also pointed out a perceived shift in the ruling Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) party’s housing policy, from “one Ivorian, one roof” to a reality where “no roof exists for the poor.” Reports also highlight an investigation into the Koumassi Campement evictions, raising questions about a potential “vast conspiracy against the poor.” In response to the crisis, emergency measures were reportedly decided during a crisis meeting chaired by Beugré Mambé. Conversely, some maintain that residents of these sites had received ample prior warning.
In other news, the 12th congress of the Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) concluded successfully with the election of Marie Laure N’Goran as the new president of its executive council. Her victory has been widely celebrated, marking a significant moment for the Ivorian press.
Shifting from one electoral outcome to another, the Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) has confirmed the election of Guéi Sylvie Epse Doukoula as the national secretary for its women’s league. Following this electoral phase, the focus is now firmly on future actions, with the newly elected secretary urging her comrades to be prepared for upcoming initiatives.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the RHDP party has signaled ambitious plans concerning membership drives, training programs, and political diplomacy. Additionally, the Vice-Prime Minister has been honored with a prestigious distinction, recognized as the best Defense Minister of the decade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. Separately, an investigation is underway into the tragic death of a gold panner in Brou-Akpaoussou, near Andé, aiming to uncover the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the realm of sports, all eyes are now turning towards the United States as Côte d’Ivoire prepares for the highly anticipated Football World Cup. The national team, affectionately known as the “Eléphants,” is set to begin its campaign on Monday, June 15, facing Équateur in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There is a palpable sense of excitement and optimism surrounding the team, with many believing this World Cup holds immense hope for the “Eléphants” as they fully immerse themselves in their American dream.
Beyond these major headlines, other significant issues have also been discussed, including a reported unease within the Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs in the regions of Diabo and Languibonou. Furthermore, the Minister of National Education has announced crucial decisions regarding student placements for the 6th grade and high school sophomore levels.