🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Ivorian left does not exist as commonly thought, says Laurent Gbagbo's wife
via Abidjan.net16 min read
Hadja Nadiani Bamba, wife of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, argues that the concept of a traditional left-right political spectrum does not accurately reflect Ivorian political reality. She states that the debate surrounding the "union of the left" is a distraction from the country's unique political history, which is primarily shaped by influential figures rather than abstract ideologies. Bamba, a former journalist and a grassroots activist for President Gbagbo's party since 1999, asserts that for most Ivorians, political affiliation is defined by loyalty to key leaders like Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Laurent Gbagbo. She describes Houphouët-Boigny as the father of independence, associated with stability and international partnerships, while Gbagbo is seen as the father of multipartyism and a figure who championed the marginalized, promoted free education, and restored dignity to Ivorian planters. Bamba highlights that Gbagbo is perceived as a man of struggle and resilience who brought significant changes, including freedom of speech and power redistribution. She contends that the Ivorian political landscape is essentially divided between "Houphouëtists" and "Gbagboists." Bamba also addresses internal divisions within the Ivorian Popular Front FPI after Gbagbo's deportation in 2011, noting the split between those who, like Pascal Affi Nguessan, sought to engage with the institutional political system, and those who, like Abdourahmane Sangare, remained loyal to Gbagb
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The Professional African MMA PRIAM league, a new sports league aimed at developing combat sports across Africa and enabling athletes to earn a living from their craft, was officially launched on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Abidjan. The launch event was attended by numerous MMA athletes and representatives from the Ivorian Mixed Martial Arts Federation FIAMM. This initiative, led by Ouhon Jallah Henry, an MMA athlete and trainer, and supported by FIAMM, seeks to elevate African athletes and allow them to compete with their Western counterparts. Henry stated that the vision for PRIAM is to highlight young African talents, as there are many in Côte d'Ivoire, and to professionalize the sport, as many existing African leagues are not professional. Colonel Tapé Legrey, representing FIAMM, emphasized that the new league will promote Ivorian MMA and help build careers for athletes, aspiring for a global standard. David Coppola, technical director of the Ivorian MMA Federation, added that the league will provide a platform for all African athletes to express themselves, noting the growing enthusiasm for MMA among the Ivorian population, evidenced by high-level fights in Abidjan.
On the 33rd World Press Freedom Day, the Ad Hoc Committee of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d'Ivoire UNJCI, tasked with organizing the 12th elective congress, issued a statement emphasizing fraternity, responsibility, unity, and commitment. The committee highlighted the fundamental role of the press in strengthening democracy and public freedoms, stressing the need to preserve and protect the right to inform with rigor, ethics, and responsibility. It acknowledged recent internal tensions as a sign of democratic vitality, but also as a call for lucidity and true fraternity, noting that recent decisions could ease the climate and prioritize the UNJCI's best interests and professional unity. The Ad Hoc Committee urged Ivorian journalists to exercise restraint, uphold professional dignity, and engage in dialogue and reconstruction. It formally announced the 12th ordinary elective congress for Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9 AM at the Maison de la Presse in Abidjan. This congress aims to be unifying, responsible, and to restore credibility, adhering strictly to UNJCI regulations, transparency, equity, and democratic standards. Beyond the election, key objectives include defending press freedom, improving working conditions, ensuring media economic viability, combating precarity, and promoting rigorous, ethical journalism. The committee called on all Ivorian journalists to unite and contribute to the UNJCI's resurgence with strength, dignity, and ambition
Ivorian artist Didi B, known as "The Shogun," delivered a captivating performance at the Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo FEMUA. The event, held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, saw Didi B energize the crowd in Anoumabo, creating a memorable experience for attendees. This appearance follows other notable performances, including DJ Leo's concert on April 29, 2026, and Didi B's own electric show at the Zenith on April 20, 2026. The article highlights Didi B's continued impact on the music scene, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic performer.
The Ivorian government is enhancing its civil protection system to manage the growing number of risks, including climate change, natural disasters, human activities, and transportation incidents. This initiative responds to a rising demand for security. Key reforms include the adoption of Decree No. 2023-1004 on December 20, 2023, which defines the attributions, organization, and functioning of the National Office of Civil Protection ONPC, and the development of a civil protection policy document. A dedicated ONPC headquarters, costing 2 billion FCFA, was inaugurated in December 2022. Major actions also involve establishing civil protection services across the country and equipping them with material and mobility resources. From 2011 to 2025, the government's efforts included constructing 40 civil protection centers, creating a provisional civil protection school in San Pedro, and implementing the Integrated Management System of the National Office of Civil Protection SIG-ONPC. Operational teams are available around the clock for emergency response. In 2022, 5,755 awareness campaigns were conducted in the District of Abidjan and cities with emergency relief centers, leading to 5,464 rescue operations in 2025. In May 2025, the ONPC collaborated with the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy and the Group of Petroleum Industry Professionals on a national campaign to educate the public on the risks of domestic butane gas use. The previous year's rainy season resulted in 18 dea