The new president of the Council of State in Côte d'Ivoire takes the constitutional oath.
Ahmed Salem
Judge Ibrahim Coulibaly-Kouibert, who did not hold an official judicial position, was sworn in as the new president of the Council of State in a solemn ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
In the presence of the Vice President of the Republic, Teymoko Milet Koné, and senior figures in the judiciary, this inauguration marks the beginning of a new term for the long-serving head of the Independent Electoral Commission.
The President of the State Council pledges honesty and integrity.
Raising his right hand, the new head of the administrative institution pledged to perform his duties with honesty, integrity, and impartiality, while ensuring full respect for the Constitution and the laws of the Republic. This solemn ceremony marked his official entry into the highest office in the Ivorian administrative system.
For his part, Vice President Temuko Melet Koné was keen to remind him of the grave responsibility placed upon him, including the absolute commitment to neutrality.
The Council of State plays a pivotal role in Côte d'Ivoire in resolving disputes between citizens and the administration, and in guiding the government on the legitimacy of its projects.
59 people killed by floods in Ivory Coast
On another front in the local affairs of Ivory Coast, the Ivorian government announced that the death toll from the floods that have swept the country since mid-May has risen to 59, as heavy rains continue to cause flooding in residential areas and landslides, amid warnings that the number of victims may rise in the coming weeks.
Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said, following a cabinet meeting, that the authorities are monitoring the developments of the situation on the ground, expressing the government's regret over the increasing number of victims during the current rainy season, which usually lasts from May to July.
Abidjan most affected by floods
The economic capital, Abidjan, witnessed the most violent floods, especially in the communes of Attécoubé and Yopougon. Continuous rains caused roads and homes to be submerged and a number of buildings to collapse, resulting in casualties and injuries, in addition to the displacement of several families from low-lying areas.
Rescue and civil defense teams continue their search for missing persons, in addition to providing humanitarian aid to those affected and removing the effects of floods from the affected areas.
The government urged citizens to adhere to safety guidelines, evacuate areas classified as high-risk, and not take the risk of remaining in locations exposed to landslides or floods, with expectations of heavy rainfall continuing in the coming days.
Authorities confirmed that they continue to monitor the situation in coordination with emergency services, in order to limit human and material losses and respond quickly to any developments.
