The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, and health in Cote d’Ivoire as of 9 November. This edition focuses on an 8 November news conference on government actions by Prime Minister Patrick Achi and COVID-19 update. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
Prime Minister Highlights Key Government Achievements During News Conference
During an 8 November news conference, Prime Minister Patrick Achi discussed several issues including the economy, security, and health. On the economy, Achi said that the country has recorded 8 percent growth from 2012 to 2019 “making Cote d’Ivoire the leading country of West Africa.” He said that the budget of the state has tripled from 2011 to 2020 and that the overall volume of investments has increased sevenfold. Achi also said that the security index went from 6.8 in 2012 to 1.6 at the end of September 2021. On health, the prime minister said that Cote d’Ivoire has kept a positive growth with more than 2 percent in 2020 and more than 6.5 percent expected in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: Since his appointment as prime minister in March, the 8 November was his first news conference on government actions.
HEALTH
COVID-19 Update as of 8 November
New cases: 5 positives of 1,137 samples (0.4 percent)
Total cases: 61,426
New recoveries: 16
Total recoveries: 60,187
New deaths: 0
Total deaths: 699
Active cases: 540
New vaccination doses: 18,502
Total vaccination doses: 3,555,966
Source: Ministry of Health
SECURITY
Cote d’Ivoire Boosts Counterterrorism Measures
During his 8 November news conference, PM Achi said that the government reinforced the means of the Defense and Security Forces to counter terrorism, in particular with the establishment of the Northern Operational Zone. He said that the security arrangement will enable the Armed Forces of Cote d’Ivoire to intensify border controls, adding that the Special Investigation, Instruction and Counterterrorism Unit was also reinforced.
Background: Terrorist groups have often targeted the northern part of Cote d’Ivoire. The country is home to the headquarters of the International Counterterrorism Academy of Jacqueville, which the government described as a unique counterterrorism tool on the African continent.
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Ivoirian Facebook Users Hail PM Patrick Achi After News Conference
Prime Minister Patrick Achi on 8 November posted on his official Facebook page with 205,000 followers a live stream of his news conference on “government actions.” The live stream was viewed 41,000 times, it garnered 3,100 likes and raised 781 comments. Most comments were positive about Prime Minister Achi’s “mastery of state affairs” and termed him “a chance” for Cote d’Ivoire. Others said the country has found “its next president after President Ouattara.” A few comments although positive pointed at some pressing issues that the prime minister and his government should look into, especially the “universal insurance.”