On the sidelines of the 32nd African Regional Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), the President of the Ivorian National Assembly, Patrick Achi, was honored at an official dinner in Dakar on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Organized by the Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire to Senegal, H.E. Mamadou Haidara, this meeting was an opportunity for the head of Parliament to warmly congratulate the Ivorian executives who are making a name for themselves in the land of Teranga.

A dynamic and united Ivorian community

According to a press release from the lower house of Parliament, the event brought together the cream of the Ivorian diaspora residing in Senegal. Among the distinguished guests was the governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), Jean-Claude Kassi Brou. Also present were about ten business leaders, executives from international organizations, student leaders, and a large delegation from the Federation of Associations of Ivorian Nationals in Senegal (FARIS).

This dinner at the ambassador's residence also had a warm and symbolic character. Diplomat Mamadou Haidara was keen to pay tribute to Patrick Achi, a long-time collaborator with whom he had managed important strategic files when Mr. Haidara was stationed in Washington and Mr. Achi held a position in the executive branch.

Grievances, advice, and presidential vision

The Ivorian community in Senegal, numbering around 16,000 members, used this platform to express its expectations. Through its president, it notably voiced its desire for a community headquarters befitting the prestige of Côte d'Ivoire.

Speaking at the event, Patrick Achi not only praised the achievements of the executives but also offered valuable advice to the young students. He took the opportunity to reaffirm and share the President's political vision:

"President Ouattara's vision is the future of all," he argued, inviting the assembly to express their gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara for his development actions.

As a reminder, the Ivorian diaspora in Senegal includes nearly 3,000 students, the vast majority of whom are pursuing an excellent course of study in the field of medical sciences.