Côte d’Ivoire-AIP/ press review: Abidjan evictions, elections, and sporting ambitions dominate the news

Abidjan, 08 June 2026 – The public discourse on Monday, June 8, 2026, is largely shaped by the ongoing wave of demolitions and forced evictions sweeping across Abidjan, significant electoral results within the Union nationale des journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI), and the anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Regarding the widespread evictions, the situation has garnered considerable attention. Euphrasie N’Guessan has notably expressed solidarity with those impacted by the demolition operations, highlighting her support for the affected individuals. Meanwhile, Pascal Affi N’Guessan has voiced strong criticism, asserting that these actions represent a significant failure for President Alassane Ouattara’s administration. Public sentiment suggests that while the government endeavors to alleviate the distress caused, the opposition perceives an opportunity amidst the crisis.

Further critiques against the ruling power have emerged, with Pascal Affi N’Guessan stating that the current government fails to truly govern the Ivorian people. The governing party’s housing policy, once championed as “One Ivorian, one roof,” is now being re-evaluated through the lens of “no roof for the poor.” An in-depth investigation into the Koumassi Campement evictions raises questions about a potential broader scheme targeting vulnerable populations.

In response to the escalating situation, emergency measures were reportedly decided upon following a crisis meeting chaired by Beugré Mambé. Conversely, it has been emphasized that residents of the affected sites were indeed given prior notice regarding the impending demolitions.

In the realm of national elections, the 12th congress of the Union nationale des journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) culminated in the election of Marie Laure N’Goran as the new president of its executive council. This outcome has been widely reported, celebrating her ascension to the leadership position.

Shifting to political party elections, the PPA-CI recently concluded the selection of the national secretary for its women’s league, with Guéi Sylvie Epse Doukoula emerging victorious. Following this electoral phase, the focus has now shifted firmly towards implementing planned actions, as the newly elected secretary has called upon her comrades to prepare for upcoming initiatives. Within the RHDP party, youth movements have announced ambitious plans for increased membership, training programs, and political diplomacy.

Broader national recognition was also extended to the Vice-Prime Minister, who received an accolade as the best Defense Minister of the decade within the ECOWAS region. Separately, an investigation is underway into the tragic death of a gold panner in Brou-Akpaoussou (Andé), seeking to uncover the true circumstances of the incident.

On the international sports front, all eyes are now on the United States for the FIFA World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire’s national football team, affectionately known as Les Éléphants, is set to commence their campaign on Monday, June 15, facing Ecuador in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team is fully immersed in their “American dream,” with high hopes riding on their performance in what is anticipated to be a momentous tournament for the nation.

Other significant developments from Monday’s headlines include reported tensions within the Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs in Diabo and Languibonou, alongside crucial decisions announced by the Minister of National Education concerning student assignments for the 6th and 2nd grades.