Ivory Coast improves press freedom ranking, moves up 10 spots to 54th globally
via Abidjan.net8 min read
Ivory Coast has significantly improved its press freedom standing, ranking 54th out of 180 countries in the 2026 report by Reporters Without Borders RSF. The nation achieved a score of 66.27 points, elevating its status from "fairly good" to "good." This marks a notable rebound after a decline of 11 places in 2025, when it was positioned 64th. Ivory Coast stands out as one of the few countries where the population experiences a "good" environment for press freedom, contrasting with a global trend of deteriorating press freedom. RSF's report highlights a worldwide "unprecedented degradation" in press freedom, with over half of the surveyed countries facing "difficult" or "very serious" situations. Specifically, the "Legal" indicator showed the most significant global decline in 2026, indicating an increasing criminalization of journalism. For this indicator, Ivory Coast is ranked 46th with a score of 72.62. The country's scores for other indicators are: Political 46th, 59.50, Economic 39th, 56.01, Social 48th, 73.28, and Security 97th, 69.92. This overall progression is attributed to the rich media landscape and a continuous improvement in the Ivorian media environment. The 2026 RSF report notes that 52.2% of countries now present a worrying situation for the press, compared to only 13.7% in 2002, marking the lowest global press freedom level in 25 years.
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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