All posts tagged: Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast Dissolves Electoral Commission After Criticism

Ivory Coast Dissolves Electoral Commission After Criticism

Published by Sam Flores

ABIDJAN, May 6 (Reuters) – Ivory Coast’s government ⁠has ⁠dissolved the Independent ⁠Electoral Commission (CEI) following sustained criticism of the body ​over its handling of elections, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said on ‌Wednesday. • The decision was ‌approved by the government following repeated disputes over the ⁠commission’s ⁠independence and its handling of elections, Coulibaly told a news ​conference after a cabinet meeting. • He said the move was intended to pave the way for a new election management system ​and help restore public confidence in the electoral process, with ⁠the ⁠aim of ensuring “peaceful polls”. • ⁠Coulibaly ​said that discussions within the government would now decide what structure ​will replace the ⁠CEI. • Ivory Coast last held a presidential election in October 2025, when President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term with nearly 90% of the vote after several prominent opposition ⁠figures were barred from running, prompting criticism from opposition and civil ⁠society groups over the inclusiveness of the process. • The CEI, created in October 2001, has overseen all of Ivory Coast’s elections since …

Youssou N’Dour and Fatoumata Diawara headline FEMUA 2026 – arts24

Youssou N’Dour and Fatoumata Diawara headline FEMUA 2026 – arts24

Published by Sam Flores

Over the last 18 years, the FEMUA has established itself as a major date in the African cultural calendar, with concerts in Anoumabo and Dimbokro in Ivory Coast. Showcasing a continent of musical styles – including Afrobeat, rumba and rap – the event was founded by A’Salfo, frontman for the band Magic System. FRANCE 24’s reporters tell us more about this year’s line-up, special guest country Gabon and the wealth of cultural events taking place at FEMUA 2026.  We also learn more about Fally Ipupa’s new double album, as the Congolese rumba star marks 20 years in the music industry with major stadium concerts in Paris. And Palestinian lives are in the spotlight at the agnès b. gallery, as artists seek to put a name to the tragic and overwhelming statistics that recount the human cost of the ongoing war in Gaza.  Source link

France repatriates stolen colonial-era ‘talking drum’ to Ivory Coast

France repatriates stolen colonial-era ‘talking drum’ to Ivory Coast

Published by Sam Flores

France on Friday handed over a “talking drum” looted by colonial troops from Ivory Coast in 1916 in the latest repatriation of stolen artefacts. The Djidji Ayokwe drum, more than three metres (10 feet) long and weighing 430 kilos (950 pounds) was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit messages. It is one of hundreds of objects France is preparing to send back to Africa, with the efforts set to be accelerated by the passing of a new law to authorise mass repatriations. “All of Ivory Coast is ready to welcome it,” Ivory Coast Culture Minister Françoise Remarck said at a ceremony in Paris with her French counterpart Rachida Dati. Read moreThousands of costumes from Geneva’s Grand Theatre opera house to go on sale Remarck added that she was “extremely moved” by the “return of this symbol” that is “finally coming back to its homeland”. The drum is to be exhibited permanently in a new museum being built in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital Abidjan. France has been flooded with restitution demands from former colonies such …

AFCON 2025: Egypt knock out Ivory Coast to set up Senegal semi-final – Sports

AFCON 2025: Egypt knock out Ivory Coast to set up Senegal semi-final – Sports

Published by Sam Flores

Inspired by a Mohamed Salah masterclass – a goal and an assist – Egypt saw off defending champions Ivory Coast at the quarter-final stage to book their place in the last four. The Pharaohs will now face Senegal on Wednesday as they chase a record-extending eighth continental crown. Elsewhere in AFCON action, Nigeria outclassed Algeria in Saturday’s other quarter-final. Dominant throughout, the Super Eagles sealed a convincing 2-0 win and will take on hosts and tournament favourites Morocco in a blockbuster semi-final on Wednesday. On Sunday, Real Madrid and Barcelona go head-to-head in Saudi Arabia in the Spanish Super Cup final. Will Kylian Mbappé feature for Los Blancos? The French star, only just back in training after a left knee injury, remains a doubt. In England, the FA Cup third round delivered plenty of drama: Manchester City ran riot, holders Crystal Palace were knocked out, Tottenham crashed out, and Liam Rosenior enjoyed a winning start on the Chelsea bench. In France, Strasbourg – Rosenior’s former club – booked their place in the Coupe de France …