Lebanese diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire faces social media hostility

The Lebanese diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, estimated to be between 80,000 and 100,000 people, is facing periodic waves of hostility and social media attacks. Critics often use the Marcory Residential district in Abidjan, nicknamed ‘Little Beirut,’ as an example of communalism and lack of integration.

Accusations against the community include economic dominance, corruption, racism, and involvement in illicit activities such as money laundering and human trafficking. Some social media campaigns use videos of mistreatment of African women in the Middle East to target the community.

Members of the Lebanese community respond that while bad actors exist, they are often recent arrivals fleeing war in Lebanon. They note that many long-standing families and those born in Côte d'Ivoire are deeply integrated, speaking local languages and marrying into Ivorian families.