On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the town of Bodo (Tiassalé department) was the scene of violent clashes. Minister Pierre Dimba, president of the Agneby-Tiassa Regional Council, and the regional prefect, Sihindou Coulibaly, had to be evacuated under security protection.

A land dispute at the heart of the discord

The breaking point concerns the PK 108 economic platform project. The dispute specifically concerns land compensation:

1. Offer from the authorities: 1,000 FCFA per square meter.
2. Position of the owners: An amount deemed derisory, leading to a categorical refusal to cede customary rights.

The spark: an arrest that ignites the powder keg

While Pierre Dimba was attempting to mediate on the ground to gain the support of the local population, the arrest of a young resident, Hyppolite N'Guessan , sparked the unrest. The conciliation meeting turned into a riot when the demonstrators converged on the village chief's residence to demand his release.

A heavy toll in terms of material and human lives

The intervention of law enforcement allowed for the evacuation of the authorities, but could not prevent significant damage:

1. Destruction: The village chief's residence and vehicle were burned down. A bar and a civilian vehicle were also destroyed by the flames.
2. Vandalism: The official vehicles of the regional prefect and the sub-prefect of Tiassalé were stoned.
3. Injuries: Two police officers were injured during the clashes.
4. Arrests: More than 50 people have been arrested and taken into custody.

A village under high tension

The following Sunday, Bodo presented the face of a ghost town , deserted by some of its inhabitants fearing reprisals.

Emergency measures: The mayor of N'Douci has requested the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Colonel Ouattara Sié has announced a "pacification" operation that will last several days in order to stabilize the area.