Abidjan – The Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco has issued a forceful declaration, publicly expressing its profound disapproval of recent statements made by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the La France insoumise party. The embassy, in a statement released in Paris, asserted that Mr. Mélenchon’s remarks, delivered during a political rally in France, constitute a direct affront to Ivorian national institutions, its people, and President Alassane Ouattara.
According to the official communication, bearing the signature of Ambassador Maurice Kouakou Bandaman, Mr. Mélenchon delved into Ivorian political affairs, notably accusing the head of state of marginalizing his political rivals during the most recent presidential election. He further characterized President Ouattara’s acquisition of a fourth term as “unconstitutional.”
The Ivorian diplomatic mission unequivocally branded these assertions as «irresponsible, irreverent, insulting, and degrading.» The embassy firmly stated that the French politician possesses «no legitimacy, standing, or competence» to pass judgment on Ivorian institutions, which were responsible for organizing and validating the nation’s various electoral consultations.
Furthermore, the diplomatic representation underscored Côte d’Ivoire’s status as a sovereign nation since gaining independence on August 7, 1960. It emphasized that no foreign political figure is entitled to make statements deemed offensive towards the country.
In its declaration, the embassy also highlighted the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and France. These relations, it stressed, are built upon mutual respect and have been significantly strengthened under the presidencies of Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Alassane Ouattara. The embassy suggested that any political leader aspiring to the highest office in France should duly consider the strategic interests underpinning the relationship between the two nations.
Concluding its statement, the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco announced its intention to pursue «all legal avenues» to ensure that the comments, which it views as an offense to the Ivorian populace and its President, are formally addressed before the appropriate legal bodies.
The declaration was officially dated July 16, 2026, and signed by Maurice Kouakou Bandaman, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Côte d’Ivoire to France and Monaco.
