🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
President Ouattara meets with AU Commission Special Representative and CNDH President
via Abidjan.net8 min read
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, President Alassane Ouattara held separate meetings in Abidjan with Mr. Ladislas Nze BEKALE, the Special Representative of the President of the African Union Commission in Côte d'Ivoire, and Mr. Christian ADJELOU, the President of the National Human Rights Council CNDH. Mr. BEKALE stated that his visit was to pay his respects following his recent appointment and to convey the congratulations of the AU Commission President to President Ouattara for his re-election, economic performance, and efforts to promote stability in the West African sub-region, particularly concerning the security crisis in the Sahel. He also thanked President Ouattara for his achievements in implementing Agenda 2063, the African Union's development policy, in his capacity as the AU Champion for Agenda 2063. Mr. ADJELOU, the new President of the CNDH, presented an overview of the CNDH's current situation to President Ouattara after his recent election and sought strategic guidance. He emphasized that the CNDH operates as an independent body, working objectively to ensure the protection, promotion, and defense of human rights. The meetings were attended by Mr. Fidèle SARASSORO, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President, and Mrs. Masséré TOURÉ-KONÉ, Secretary General of the Presidency.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Abidjan.net.
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.
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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