Following a mass eviction operation in the Koumassi Campement neighborhood, the affected families have broken their silence. At a press conference held this Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the BAD Public Primary School (EPP), spokespeople, traditional leaders, and residents issued an urgent appeal for help to the Ivorian authorities.

The victims denounce a brutal destruction, without warning, which today leaves more than a thousand people homeless.

A surprise and controversial operation

According to testimonies gathered, bulldozers escorted by law enforcement invaded this ten-hectare site on Wednesday, June 3, taking residents completely by surprise.

1. Lack of prior notice: "We received no prior notification. It's malicious," said Didier Kouamé, the owner on the site, his voice trembling.
2. Administrative ambiguity: The spokesperson for the victims brandished formal Final Concession Certificates (ACD) issued by the State (some dating from 2013 and others from 2025).
3. Land dispute: Residents are questioning the legitimacy of the claims of a third party, a certain Brou Jacques, who claims on social media to have owned the land since 2016. "How can a site belonging to someone else continue to receive official ACDs?", wonders Didier Kouamé.

A humanitarian and educational tragedy

Beyond the material loss, it is the social and health impact that is alarming the population. The local town hall has also stated that it was never consulted or informed about this operation.

"In the middle of major school exams, what will become of these children?" — Didier Kouamé, spokesperson for the victims.

Bonga Joachim, another affected resident, estimates that more than 1,000 people have been impacted , spread across ten residential blocks. He reiterates a fundamental principle: "Even if this land had a legitimate owner, any eviction requires a minimum of prior notice. We weren't even able to save our belongings."

The urgent appeal to the presidential couple

Having settled there in 1983, traditional chief Nana Affi Aka watched as the five concessions he had built with his own hands on what was once a swamp went up in smoke. In despair, he turned directly to the highest levels of government:

"I ask my fellow ambassadors, and Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, my mother, to help us. We are unhappy, we have nothing left. We are crying, please help us."

Homeless and exposed to major health risks, these dozens of families in Koumassi are now awaiting emergency care and clarification from the competent authorities.