Abidjan investigation targets officials over Koumassi Campement demolitions

Koumassi Campement demolitions land governance Kongo Central financial mismanagement

An investigation is underway in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, regarding the June 3, 2026, demolitions in the Koumassi Campement district. The operation, which destroyed homes and businesses across 6.8 hectares, has raised significant questions regarding land governance and legal authority.

Prosecutor Koné Braman Oumar stated that while a court decision had authorized the eviction of five homes, it did not permit the actual demolition of structures. Several high-profile figures are implicated in the probe, including the Minister-Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan, Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, and Deputy Moussa Diabagaté. Bacongo has defended the intervention as part of the ORSEC emergency plan for flood prevention, though investigators are questioning the legal applicability of this plan to the site.

Additionally, the prosecutor addressed the legal status of political figure Koné Katinan, asserting that he must answer for his actions and disputing his previous claims of ministerial legitimacy.