Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara has made a public appearance, effectively silencing widespread coup rumours and fake death reports that recently flooded social media. The 82-year-old leader presided over a high-level council of ministers meeting at the presidential palace in Abidjan on Wednesday, as confirmed by an official statement and photographs released by the Ivorian presidency.
The images, showing President Ouattara surrounded by key cabinet members, were strategically published to dispel viral misinformation suggesting a military takeover and the assassination of both the president and Army Chief Lassina Doumbia. These unfounded claims, which spread like wildfire across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, and even some mainstream media, triggered panic and confusion both within and beyond the country.
According to Facebook analytics, more than 9,700 users had engaged with the coup-related content by Wednesday, amplifying the fake narrative. Yet, despite the digital chaos, there has been no credible indication of unrest or military activity. The president’s presence at the council meeting was seen as a calculated move to reassure the public and reaffirm the stability of Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic institutions.
Key items discussed during the meeting included strategies to diversify the nation’s electricity supply and improve access to affordable housing.
Investigations by journalists in Abidjan further debunked the coup speculation. Christelle Kouamé, a respected investigative journalist and member of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire, confirmed that the country remains stable. She pointed out that President Ouattara had not only attended the council meeting but also recently participated in the Africa CEO Forum.
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Commenting on alleged internet shutdowns, Kouamé dismissed the claims as yet another layer of misinformation, noting, “People do what they want with the internet. But it is thanks to the internet that I speak to you.”
The resurgence of coup rumours in Côte d’Ivoire echoes a troubling trend across West Africa, where nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea have recently experienced military takeovers. The region continues to grapple with political uncertainty, eroding public trust in civilian governments.
This latest storm of speculation comes just days before Côte d’Ivoire hosts the annual meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), where a successor to outgoing president Akinwumi Adesina is expected to be elected. With the global spotlight on Abidjan, Ouattara’s appearance sends a clear message: the government remains firmly in control.
