Gas cylinder explosions, commonly known as "faitout" in Ivory Coast, continue to claim tragic victims . The recent tragedy in which a couple lost four of their children following a domestic explosion is a heartbreaking reminder of this persistent threat. Faced with these repeated tragedies, Member of Parliament Assalé Tiémoko is speaking out to denounce the inaction and silence of the Ivorian authorities .

A Bloody Toll Without Answers

The elected official questions the lack of concrete measures: "How many more deaths will it take before we start asking questions? How many more body removals will the government authorities have to witness before taking action?"

The problem is alarming: the Cocody Burn Center reports that 98% of the patients it treats were injured in fires caused by the explosion of a gas cylinder. Entire families are decimated by these incidents, which have been occurring for several years.

The Mystery of the Causes and the Return of the Ball

The MP points to the lack of government transparency, demanding the publication of the results of investigations opened after each disaster and clear explanations on prevention measures.

1. The burner hypothesis: According to sources close to the firefighters, the main cause of the explosions was not the gas cylinder itself, but the poor quality of the burners sold illegally and used with these cylinders.
2. Unanswered questions: Where do these burners come from? Are they manufactured locally or imported? What compliance standards are applied to this product?

Faced with these crucial questions, a battle of responsibilities is raging: the Ministry of Commerce is passing the buck to the Ministry of Energy, which in turn is passing it back to Commerce. While the two ministries are passing the buck, "danger lurks in every home that uses this gas," warns the Member of Parliament.

Fleeting Tears and Profound Indifference

The shock caused by the recent removal of the bodies of the four child victims was palpable, with numerous authorities present. However, Member of Parliament Assalé Tiémoko expressed his bitter skepticism :

"In 24 hours, we'll move on to something else, while we wait for the next tragedy."

He recalls that three years ago, a similar tragedy in Adjamé had already claimed the lives of four other children. At the time, government visits to the family were followed... by nothing .

An Ethical Question

The MP concluded his indictment by highlighting a shocking contradiction: how to assess the value placed on the lives of citizens in a country where butane gas, heavily subsidized to the tune of billions for households, is notoriously and illegally diverted by transporters who use it as fuel, in full view of the authorities?

Fortunately, he concluded, a certain "Ranked Elephant" decided to shed light on this chain of irresponsibility .