🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Sidi Touré and Alexandra Heldt advocate for an Africa-Europe partnership based on mobility and development
via Abidjan.net4 min read
Sidi Touré, Vice-President of Liberal International and Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources, and Alexandra Heldt, West Africa Regional Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation FNF, have called for a new approach to the Africa-Europe partnership regarding migration. Speaking at the Liberal Forum for Political Dialogue in Abidjan, held from July 15-16, 2026, under the theme "Migration, security and development: rethinking the Africa-Europe partnership," they emphasized that migration should be viewed as a matter of freedom rather than solely a problem. Sidi Touré highlighted UN data indicating that migrants constitute 3.7% of the global population, with over 96% of people living in their birth countries, and noted that 70% of African migration occurs within the continent. He stressed the importance of preserving free movement, despite political divergences, particularly concerning the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. Alexandra Heldt condemned xenophobic rhetoric in both Africa and Europe, citing violence against migrants in South Africa since 2008. She pointed out the paradox in Europe, where labor needs coexist with anti-immigration sentiment, and argued that migration fosters exchange, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Both advocated for a balanced Africa-Europe partnership founded on mobility, shared responsibility, and liberal values, urging decision-makers to focus on trust and cooperation over fear and rejection. Sidi Touré concluded by s
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The Children of Africa Foundation officially launched preparations for its 10th gala dinner on Tuesday, July 15, 2026. The event, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, aims to raise funds for the construction of the Treichville Youth Center. Nadine Sangaré, Director of the Foundation and representative of First Lady Dominique Ouattara, stated that after numerous initiatives for children and women, the Foundation recognized the importance of creating a dedicated space for youth. The project will be built on a 1.6-hectare plot in Treichville, featuring a 3,604 m² built area. It will include a library, a 1,000-seat amphitheater, cultural workshops, sports facilities such as padel and Maracana football fields, and a 210-space parking lot. Previous galas have funded major infrastructure projects, including the Bingerville Mother-Child Hospital in 2012, the Abobo School Group of Excellence in 2018, the Adiaké reception center for women victims of violence in 2022, and the new pediatric cardiology wing in 2024. The gala evening, designed by Fabrice Sawegnon of Voodoo Group, will feature artists like Dadju, MC Solaar, Magic System, and Franck Dubosc, with a menu by French chef Yannick Alléno incorporating Ivorian flavors. A raffle with a new Kia Sportage as the grand prize and an art auction will also be part of the event.
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