The following report highlights major news developments in politics, health, and security in Cote d’Ivoire as of 17 November. This edition focuses on a government anti-corruption initiative, COVID-19 update, and the seizure of fake drugs at the border between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
Ivoirian Media Discuss Government’s Anti-Corruption Initiative
Ivoirian media speculate over the “clean hands operation” that President Alassane Ouattara launched with a view to combat corruption in state-owned companies. As a result of the operation, the President dismissed several managing directors from state-owned companies, including the Fonds d’Entretien Routier (Road Management Fund) and the Ivoirian construction company SICOGI, among others. A pro-opposition newspaper said that “international pressure” prompted President Ouattara to launch the operation.
Background: Over the past months, the media reported cases of embezzlement of funds in several state-owned companies.
HEALTH
COVID-19 Update as of 16 November
New cases: 9 positives of 1,389 samples (0.6 percent)
Total cases: 61,523
New recoveries: 27
Total recoveries: 60,446
New deaths: 0
Total deaths: 702
Active cases: 375
New vaccination doses: 44,350
Total vaccination doses: 3,907,338
Source: Ministry of Health
SECURITY
Anti-Drug Police Seize 20 Metric Tons of Fake Drugs at Border With Guinea
Media reported that the Regional Directorate of Narcotics and Drugs Police of Man seized 20 metric tons of fake and substandard drugs on the night of 9 to 10 November in the Danane region. The anti-drug police also discovered eight 12-gauge shotguns while searching the seized luggage. The fake drugs were seized at the border between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea.
Background: The western part of Cote d’Ivoire is confronted with fake drugs and narcotics. In August, the anti-drug police seized more than 6 metric tons of fake drugs and destroyed several cannabis plantations in the Tonkpi region (comprising the towns of Man, Danane, and Biankouman among others).