President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire made a public appearance on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, presiding over a council of ministers meeting at the presidential palace in Abidjan.
His apperance has effectively quashed rampant rumors of a military coup and his alleged death.
The Ivorian presidency released an official statement, accompanied by photographs of Ouattara with key cabinet members, to reassure citizens and counter viral misinformation spreading across social media platforms.
Ouattara’s Strategic Appearance
The council meeting, which focused on diversifying Côte d’Ivoire’s electricity sources and improving housing access, served as a deliberate move to restore calm amid swirling online speculation.
There have been news across social media platforms, with unverified claims that the military had seized power and that Ouattara and Army Chief Lassina Doumbia were dead.
The presidency’s swift response, backed by visual evidence, underscored the stability of Ouattara’s leadership.
Christelle Kouamé, an Ivorian journalist and executive council member of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire, said “There is no coup in Côte d’Ivoire. The country is stable.”
Kouamé dismissed the rumors as misinformation, noting Ouattara’s recent attendance at the Africa CEO Forum and the council meeting.
Countering Misinformation
The coup rumors gained traction amid a regional climate of political instability, with recent military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea fueling anxiety across West Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire’s military and security forces have shown no signs of unrest, and the government’s proactive communication has helped restore public confidence.
The timing of the rumors is notable, as the country prepares to host the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) annual meetings, where a new president will be elected to succeed Akinwumi Adesina.
Regional Context and Future Outlook
The spread of coup rumors reflects broader challenges in West Africa, including weakened democratic institutions and growing distrust in civilian leadership.
Côte d’Ivoire a key economic hub, has worked to maintain stability under Ouattara’s leadership, and this incident underscores the need for robust measures to combat misinformation.
As the AfDB meetings approach, Ouattara’s government is likely to intensify efforts to project stability and attract investment.
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