L'Éléphant Déchaîné editors summoned in Abidjan over demolition probe

Director General Assalé Tiémoko Antoine and Publication Director Stéphane Bahi of the satirical newspaper L'Éléphant Déchaîné have been ordered to appear before the General Investigation Service of the Abidjan police on 3 August 2026 at 10:00. The summons follows a complaint lodged by the governor of the autonomous District of Abidjan, Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, over the paper’s investigation into the forced demolition of the Koumassi Campement neighbourhood.

On 13 July, the district sent the newspaper a right of reply and a cease‑and‑desist notice demanding that the journalists provide the evidence underpinning their report within 48 hours. The publication rejected the demand, citing press‑law protections, and appealed to the National Press Authority. The governor’s complaint has now led to a judicial procedure under article 90 of the Ivorian code of criminal procedure, with the hearing scheduled just days before the national Independence Day celebrations on 7 August.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between press freedom and governmental authority in Côte d'Ivoire.