Ivory Coast orphanage fire in Abengourou kills two infants

A blaze struck the Mamie Thérèse orphanage in Abengourou, Ivory Coast, on 28 July 2026, killing two infants and injuring four other children among the 53 residents. The fire completely destroyed the main building, following a previous incident on 17 July that damaged annex rooms and prompted the transfer of children to the main block.

Government officials, including Minister of Communication Amadou Coulogaly and Minister of Women, Family and Children Nasseneba Touré, visited the site on 29 July, conveying President Alassane Ouattara’s condolences. The orphanage’s founder Yoboué N’Guessan Thérèse (known as Mamie Thérèse) and administrator Koné Douffou were among those evacuated. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the two fires.