Following the violent clashes that took place on June 21 between the communities of Kouto and Samorossoba over a disputed rice plain, a delegation from the Ombudsman of the Republic visited the area from June 29 to July 1, 2026. This emergency mission had a threefold objective: to express the institution's compassion, to listen to the stakeholders and to restore lasting peace.

A listening and field-based approach

Led by Fofana Ibrahima (Northern Zone Coordinator) and Sanogo Mamadou (Director of Social Cohesion Strengthening), the delegation held numerous consultations. The emissaries met with administrative authorities—including the mayor of Kouto—traditional chiefs, youth leaders, and local residents to gather different accounts and understand the origins of the tragedy.

To better understand the situation, the mission also went directly to the agricultural plot at the heart of the dispute.

The mission's objective: " The Ombudsman of the Republic instructed us to come quickly to Kouto to offer his compassion to the injured, thank the authorities who worked to restore calm and listen to the different parties ," Mr. Sanogo stated.

Social mediation and judicial independence

The data and testimonies collected will be included in an official report to the Ombudsman of the Republic to determine next steps. Sanogo Mamadou, however, was keen to clarify the scope of this intervention: it falls strictly within the realm of social diplomacy and peacebuilding, and in no way interferes with the ongoing legal proceedings.

" In Ivory Coast, development cannot happen without peace. Our goal is to restore trust between the communities of Kouto and Samorossoba in order to preserve living together ," he emphasized.

Towards a lasting resolution

Far from being a wasted effort, this mission marks the beginning of a process. The delegation announced that it would continue its discussions with the relevant authorities in order to actively support all initiatives capable of definitively resolving this recurring land dispute.