On the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day , celebrated on March 15, 2026, the Federation of Ivorian Consumer Networks (FRIC) is sounding the alarm. Meeting in Yopougon, consumer advocates have placed this year's event under the banner of vigilance and health safety.

Quality: a non-negotiable right

For Touré Ibrahim , Chairman of the Board of Directors of FRIC, this year's theme — "Safe products, confident consumers" — recalls a fundamental truth: no consumption without quality .

"We cannot talk about consumer rights without mentioning health. It is imperative to remove all counterfeit or dangerous products from the market," he insisted.

The FRIC official emphasized three essential pillars:

1. Compliance with standards to guarantee user safety.
2. Product traceability to know their exact origin.
3. The responsibility of companies , which must prioritize ethics over immediate profit.

A call to action for the state and citizens

FRIC is not just challenging traders; it is also calling on the authorities to tighten controls on markets to eradicate fraudulent products.

The message to consumers is clear: take responsibility for your own safety . Simply buying is no longer enough; it is now necessary to check the labeling and favour transparent distribution channels.

The Government's response: Surveillance and "Buy Ivorian"

Present at the event, Brou Kouassi Venance , representing the Ministry of Commerce, recalled the measures put in place to protect the purchasing power and health of Ivorians:

1. Combating the high cost of living: Promoting local products to limit the impact of global inflation.
2. Metrological control: Strict verification of measuring instruments to ensure the customer receives exactly what they pay for.
3. Citizen alert: The toll-free number 1343 is available to report any irregularities.

Did you know? Established by Consumer International , this global day aims to transform every purchase into a responsible act, thus guaranteeing a fairer and more transparent Ivorian market.