The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, and health in Cote d’Ivoire as of 11 November. This edition focuses on President Ouattara’s visit to Paris to attend a peace forum, the donation of vehicles and medical equipment to the Health Ministry, a government’s plan to acquire new security aircrafts, and a debate over alleged plans to legalize homosexual marriage in Cote d’Ivoire. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
President Ouattara Attends Peace Forum in Paris
On 10 November, President Alassane Ouattara left Abidjan for Paris to take part in the fourth edition of the Paris Peace Forum scheduled from 11 to 13 November. While in Paris, President Ouattara will also attend the 75th anniversary celebration of the UNESCO on 12 November.
Background: The Paris Peace Forum aims to stimulate a stronger and more inclusive economic recovery through the proposal of initiatives to better manage global issues in a post-COVID-19 world.
HEALTH
Health Ministry Receives Vehicles, Baby Scales
On 10 November, the Ministry of Health posted on its Facebook page with 496,000 followers that the Ivoirian Government handed over a total of 10 vans and 42 4×4 service vehicles to the Regional Health Directors on 9 November at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). The post also said that South Korea donated 1,199 baby scales for community health workers for the integrated management of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in villages located more than 5 kilometers from a health center. The post generated 863 likes and 29 comments generally welcoming the donations.
SECURITY
Cote d’Ivoire Plans To Acquire Two Aircrafts for Territorial Security
Media reports said that the Ivorian Government on 10 November approved a loan of approximately $15 million from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to acquire two aircrafts. The Government signed the loan agreement with the EBID on 12 October. The aircrafts are meant for territorial surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Background: The Ivoirian Government aims to establish the security of the land and maritime borders and strengthen the country’s security apparatus.
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
LGBT Issue Continues To Stir Debate
Former Sport Minister Alain Lobognon on 10 November posted on his Facebook page with 73,000 followers a text highlighting his opinion on the LGBT issue. He said, “nobody choses a sexual orientation,” and should the Ivoirian parliament work on a law regarding LGBT issues, it would not be meant to “legalize the practice, but rather to protect the rights of the gay community. The post generated 278 before the author decided to block the post. Most comments were negative and said right away that they were “disappointed” to read such a post from Lobognon. Users accused Lobognon of “fighting our African values,” and “trying hard to please President Ouattara.” Others said, “we are not mentally ready yet to accept gay practices in Africa.”