Côte d’Ivoire: mass evictions, political shifts and football dreams dominate headlines

The capital city of Côte d’Ivoire is witnessing a wave of evictions and demolitions, sparking intense debate as the nation gears up for upcoming elections and celebrates a historic football milestone.

Evictions stir strong reactions in Abidjan

In Abidjan, the ongoing demolition and eviction operations have become a major point of contention. Political figures and media outlets are weighing in on the issue, with some voices expressing solidarity while others criticise the government’s approach.

Support and criticism collide

Several local newspapers highlight the varying perspectives on the evictions. One prominent figure, Euphrasie N’Guessan, has publicly extended support to those affected, calling for empathy and assistance. Meanwhile, opposition leader Pascal Affi N’Guessan has framed the situation as a failure of the current administration, stating that the government is not effectively governing the people of Côte d’Ivoire.

The media landscape is sharply divided. Some outlets portray the government as attempting to ease tensions, while others portray it as indifferent to the plight of displaced residents. Criticism has also been directed at the ruling party’s housing policy, with one newspaper summarising its stance as ‘one roof for the people’ evolving into ‘no roof for the poor.’

In-depth investigations are emerging, particularly concerning the eviction of residents from the Koumassi Campement area, with questions raised about the motives behind these actions.

In response to the growing unrest, crisis measures have been announced following an emergency meeting led by Beugré Mambé. However, conflicting reports suggest that some affected communities were given prior notice, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Political milestones overshadow the eviction crisis

The 12th congress of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) concluded with the election of Marie Laure N’Goran as president of its executive council. The news has been met with widespread acclaim, with headlines celebrating her historic appointment.

Meanwhile, within the Popular Front of Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), Sylvie Epse Doukoula Guéi has been elected as the new national secretary of the women’s league. Her victory has been framed as a turning point, with calls for renewed activism and unity among party members.

The ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) is also making headlines, with youth leaders pledging aggressive recruitment drives, training initiatives, and strategic political engagement ahead of the elections.

A distinguished honour has been bestowed upon the Vice-Premier Minister, who has been recognised as the best Defence Minister of the decade within the ECOWAS region.

Football fever grips the nation ahead of World Cup kickoff

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, all eyes are on the Ivorian national team, the Elephants, as they prepare to make their debut against Ecuador in Philadelphia. The media is brimming with optimism, with headlines declaring that the Elephants are ‘fully committed to the American dream’ and that this World Cup represents ‘all the hopes of a nation.’

Beyond the sports headlines, other notable developments include administrative decisions affecting secondary school placements and a reported internal rift within the Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs in Diabo and Languibonou.