The Ivorian government expressed its dissatisfaction on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, over accusations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), against the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara.
Speaking at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting chaired by the Head of State at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan-Plateau, Government Spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly delivered a firm response, denouncing remarks described as unfounded and damaging to the image of Ivorian institutions. “We refuse, in any way whatsoever, to allow the image of the person who embodies the State of Côte d’Ivoire to be ridiculed,” Amadou Coulibaly told the press.
The Minister of Communication stressed that Côte d’Ivoire would not tolerate what he described as “fanciful” accusations made without evidence against the President of the Ivorian people, who remains a central figure in the country’s institutional and diplomatic stability.
In a regional context marked by diplomatic tensions between certain member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and several ECOWAS countries, the Ivorian government spokesperson reaffirmed Abidjan’s principled position. “We will never again accept that the name of the Head of State be associated with these fanciful and unfounded accusations,” he insisted.
Amadou Coulibaly emphasized the respect owed to heads of state and institutions, calling for responsibility in public statements, particularly in a sub-regional environment already weakened by security and political crises.
Without engaging in verbal escalation, the Ivorian government affirmed its determination to preserve the dignity of the State and to defend the honor of its institutions against any attempt at discrediting them. It also reiterated its commitment to dialogue, regional cooperation, and mutual respect among sovereign states.
In this regard, the Ministry of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation summoned the Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, January 30, 2026. During the meeting, the Ivorian government expressed its strong indignation and condemned the statements in the strongest terms, considering them to be contrary to the practices and fundamental principles of diplomacy. In this context, a formal note of protest was handed to the Nigerien Ambassador for transmission to the highest authorities of his country.