Protest Over Politician’s Remarks on Ivoirien Institutions

The Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire near the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco has expressed its "strong protest" against comments made by Jean-Luc Melanchon, president of La France insoumise, at a meeting in France. The embassy considers the remarks to be an attack on Ivoirien institutions, the Ivoirian people, and President Alassane Ouattara.

Melanchon accused the leader of the state of having excluded his opponents during the last presidential election and obtained a fourth term that he described as "unconstitutional". The embassy rejects these statements as "irresponsible, arrogant, insulting, and degrading".

The diplomatic representation emphasizes that Côte d’Ivoire is a sovereign state since its independence on August 7, 1960, stating that no foreign politician can claim the right to make offensive comments about the country.

The embassy highlights the friendly and cooperative relations between Côte d’Ivoire and France, founded on mutual respect and consolidated under the presidencies of Felix Houphouet-Boigny and Alassane Ouattara. It argues that a responsible politician should take into account the interests of the relationship between the two countries.

The embassy announces its intention to engage in all legal actions to respond to the comments it considers an insult to the Ivoirian people and President Ouattara.