The famous and controversial Ivorian pastor, Makosso Camille , is making headlines again. In a highly unusual move, the man of God has publicly appealed to the Head of State, Alassane Ouattara , to obtain an exceptional travel document: a diplomatic passport .

A request for protection for "patriotic mission"

To justify his request, Makosso Camille emphasizes his desire to become an informal ambassador for the achievements of the Ivorian government. Stating his wish to promote the country's major projects internationally, he cites a need for security and prestige to successfully carry out this mission.

"I am simply requesting, for my personal safety, a diplomatic passport, so that when I travel abroad I can benefit from the minimum consideration and protection due to the mission I am undertaking," he said, specifying that he is not asking for a sovereignty budget or a bodyguard.

The pastor also emphasized his integrity, inviting intelligence services to investigate his past, while humbly comparing himself to footballers who, he said, sometimes benefit from this privilege.

Reminder: What is a diplomatic passport?

Although Makosso Camille's request is imbued with patriotic fervor, it runs up against a very strict legal and administrative framework. In Côte d'Ivoire, as elsewhere, this document is not an honorary distinction, but a working tool linked to official functions governed by international law.

Who can legally obtain it? This precious document is reserved exclusively for state representatives in the exercise of their duties:

1. The highest authorities: President of the Republic, Prime Minister, ministers and presidents of institutions.
2. The diplomatic corps: Ambassadors, diplomatic advisors and foreign affairs secretaries in post.
3. Special envoys: Officials on official missions to international organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS).

Excluded profiles: Except for exceptional exemptions granted by the Head of State (often for reasons of courtesy or high national importance), ordinary citizens, businessmen, religious leaders or civil society actors are not entitled to it .

A test for the state protocol

This statement by Makosso Camille raises a fundamental question about the issuance of these travel documents. If the pastor sees himself as a "committed servant" of the nation, will the presidency follow this logic by making an exception, or will it remain faithful to diplomatic rigor?