In response to the tragic toll of the recent severe weather, the Ivorian government is stepping up its response. On Monday, June 29, 2026, following a crisis meeting chaired by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, the authorities announced a "zero tolerance" policy against the occupation of restricted zones.

"It is no longer possible to show tolerance, because every life lost is one too many," stressed the Minister of the Interior and Security, General Vagondo Diomandé.

A heavy provisional death toll and record rainfall

The rainfall that has hit the Abidjan district and the interior of the country over the past 48 hours is exceptional: the volume of water recorded is five times greater than the average of previous years.

1. Human toll: Around twenty deaths have already been reported, a figure that is still provisional as rescue efforts remain underway.
2. The observation: The majority of deaths occurred where residents refused to evacuate despite warnings. Conversely, no deaths were reported in areas where evacuation operations had already been carried out.

The government's key measures

Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, who expressed his solidarity and compassion to the affected families, the government is launching a firm response based on three main axes:

1. Forced and immediate evictions: General mobilization of state services, ministries and local elected officials to permanently clear dangerous sites.
2. Support for the population: Temporary resettlement sites (including schools) will be requisitioned, and the Ministry of Solidarity will provide emergency support to displaced persons.
3. Repressive measures: Strict sanctions will be applied against anyone opposing the directives of the authorities.

The message from the executive branch is now crystal clear: the protection of human lives takes precedence over everything else, and the authority of the State will be applied without wavering to avoid further tragedies.