The Ivorian government has dismissed claims of hostility toward Burkina Faso, following remarks by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Government spokesman and Minister of Communication Amadou Coulibaly said Côte d’Ivoire has never hidden the presence of Burkinabè nationals on its soil, but emphasized that they are expected to refrain from political activity. “We are an open country with 26% of our population being foreigners, including around 3 million Burkinabè.
We have no interest in Burkina Faso being destabilized, because we would pay the highest price,” he stated, adding that the situation will have no impact on Côte d’Ivoire’s October 25, 2025 presidential election.
Coulibaly rejected allegations that Côte d’Ivoire is backing destabilization projects, noting that the country currently hosts more than 80,000 Burkinabè refugees fleeing violence. Responding to suspicions against DAARA, the state refugee assistance service, he dismissed them as “fantasy,” clarifying that its agents are carrying out administrative registration, not espionage.
He acknowledged, however, that Côte d’Ivoire faces demographic pressure as several NGOs have withdrawn, forcing the government to take on more responsibility in supporting refugees.
