The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, and health in Cote d’Ivoire as of 8 November. This edition focuses on the launch of the general population census, new ECOWAS sanctions against Mali and Guinea, the signing of partnership accords between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and COVID-19 update. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
General Population Census Kicks Off
Media reported that the fifth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH) started on 8 November across the country and will run until 28 November.
Backgound: The RGHP aims to collect updated and reliable data to better plan public policies.
West African Regional Bloc ECOWAS Imposes New Sanctions on Mali, Guinea
Media reported that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed new sanctions against Mali and Guinea. ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said that the 15-nation group “decided to sanction all those implicated in the delay” in organizing a presidential election on 27 February in Mali. ECOWAS also decided to uphold the Guinea’s suspension from the bloc as well as sanctions against individual junta members and their families
Background: Mali’s interim government took power following the military’s overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2020 August. The junta, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, staged a second coup in May, removed the interim president and Goita took over the position himself. In Guinea, interim President Mamadi Doumbouya led a coup that toppled President Alpha Conde in September.
ECONOMY
Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria Sign Partnership Agreements
From 4 to 6 November, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria signed nine partnership agreements to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors. The accords cover trade, industry, defense, economy, justice, and human rights among other sectors.
Background: The two countries signed the agreements during the 2nd Cote d’Ivoire-Nigeria Bi-National Commission that took place in Abidjan from 4 to 6 November. Ivoirian Prime Minister Patrick Achi and Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo co-chaired the meeting.
HEALTH
COVID-19 Update as of 7 November
New cases: 17 positives of 2,512 samples (0.7 percent)
Total cases: 61,421
New recoveries: 32
Total recoveries: 60,145
New deaths: 0
Total deaths: 699
Active cases: 554
New vaccination doses: 18,929
Total vaccination doses: 3,530,408
Source: Ministry of Health