The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, and health in Cote d’Ivoire as of 10 November. This edition focuses on speculations over a possible bill on homosexual marriage, COVID-19 update, and Prime Minister Patrick Achi’s political affiliation. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
Opposition MPs Threaten To Counter Homosexual Marriage Bill
A privately owned newspaper close to the opposition said that the government was planning to legalize homosexual marriage. The paper said that the government urged the National Assembly to consider a bill that would legalize the practice. It said that the authorities were planning to amend Article 226 of the penal law through the introduction of phrases such as “sexual orientation” and others. MPs from the EDS [Together for Democracy and Sovereignty], a coalition close to former President Laurent Gbagbo, said they will oppose the bill.
Background: To date, homosexuality is not criminalized in Cote d’Ivoire, but members of the LGBTI community have often reported discrimination in access to health care and job. The Ivoirian public, including religious groups, generally considers the practice as opposed to local customs.
HEALTH
COVID-19 Update as of 9 November
New cases: 16 positives of 1,420 samples (1.1 percent)
Total cases: 61,442
New recoveries: 22
Total recoveries: 60,209
New deaths: 1
Total deaths: 700
Active cases: 533
New vaccination doses: 39,604
Total vaccination doses: 3,595,570
Source: Ministry of Health
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Netizens Criticize Prime Minister Patrick Achi’s Statement on Political Affiliation
Journalist Andre Silver on his Facebook page with 545,000 followers on 9 November posted a picture of Prime Minister Patrick Achi with the caption “I am not from the PDCI, but we are not enemies.” The post generated 193 likes and 81 comments. Comments were mixed and followed partisan lines. A number of users said Achi actually never was a real PDCI activist. Others said that it was normal for a man to change his political leaning based on changes in his vision. A last group opined that what matters is that the prime minister works for the country and all Ivoirians.
