The Catholic Church in Côte d'Ivoire has firmly opposed the Vatican's suggestion to bless homosexual couples, reaffirming its commitment to traditional family values and the sacrament of marriage between a man and a woman. This stance, articulated by Mgr Marcellin Yao Kouadio, aligns with broader African Catholic sentiment, as evidenced by similar positions from church leaders across the continent. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, led by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has also expressed rejection of the Vatican's proposal. This opposition highlights a significant divergence within the global Catholic community on issues of LGBTQ+ rights and religious doctrine.

Côte d'Ivoire is preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 from January 13 to February 11, 2024, across six cities. The government, led by President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, is committed to making it the best CAN ever, with significant investments in sports infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality. The event is expected to boost various sectors, including tourism, security, and local businesses, while fostering camaraderie among African nations.

Adama Koné provides updates from Cote d'Ivoire, discussing recent events such as the deaths of political figures Henri Konan Bédié, Ouassénan Koné, and Lambert Kouassi Konan, the inauguration of the Alassane Ouattara bridge, and local and Senate elections. He mentions the flooding at Ébimpé stadium and the Salon de l'agriculture et des ressources animales d'Abidjan (Sara 2023). Koné addresses the increase in fuel prices, transportation tariffs, and the fluctuating cost of rice due to export reductions by India and China. He notes the good agricultural season, with abundant tomatoes, gombo, and other produce leading to lower market prices. The President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, is planning a cabinet reshuffle and has instructed institutions to end the employment of those eligible for retirement. The Muslim community has called for the legal recognition of religious and traditional marriages, and the country looks forward to a prosperous end of the year with the coffee-cocoa campaign and the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

The article highlights the significant local development in the village of Yacolidabouo and the commune of Koumassi in Côte d'Ivoire, driven by effective planning and community involvement. It praises the efforts of Marcel Zadi Kessy and the municipal council in transforming these areas, emphasizing the importance of proximity in addressing health, education, hygiene, and security needs. The World Bank's involvement in local development is also commended, showcasing successful examples of rural and urban transformation that should inspire political candidates in upcoming local elections.

Claude Sahi, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Rhdp, addresses the issue of 100 independent candidacies despite the party's internal selection process. He emphasizes the importance of party discipline and adherence to decisions made by the party's leadership. Sahi categorizes the independent candidates into three groups: frustrated candidates, adventurers, and manipulated individuals, urging them to align with the party's directives for the sake of unity and long-term success. The article highlights the structured hierarchy within the Rhdp and the challenges posed by internal dissent.

The automotive sector in Côte d'Ivoire is experiencing significant growth, with new car sales increasing by 56% in 2022. This has led to a reduction in the average age of vehicles, improving the country's standing within the West African community. Government reforms, such as limiting the age of imported used cars and introducing video-verbalization, have contributed to this positive trend. However, road safety remains a concern, with over 1,000 fatalities and 21,000 injuries annually, particularly involving motorcyclists and young, inexperienced drivers. The article emphasizes the need for greater responsibility and awareness among road users to ensure safer driving conditions.

Abidjan's urban expansion is causing significant environmental and infrastructural challenges. The rapid growth of communes like Cocody, Yopougon, Abobo, and Port-Bouët is leading to the loss of green spaces and complicating urban planning. The ecological impact includes the disappearance of vegetation and the transformation of landscapes, while infrastructural issues involve the increasing difficulty of transporting water to urban areas. The article suggests that vertical construction could be a solution to manage space more efficiently and mitigate these problems.

In Cote d'Ivoire, despite the appearance of wealth indicated by luxury residences and expensive consumer goods, the housing market is causing distress for many Ivorians. Rents have skyrocketed, with a three-room apartment in certain neighborhoods now costing 260,000 FCFA, a significant increase from previous years. The quality of housing does not match the high prices, with inadequate living spaces, lack of amenities, and no provisions for parking. The government has limited rent deposits to four months but needs to further regulate the sector to ensure fair pricing and better living conditions.

In Côte d'Ivoire, societal transformation is occurring, with the poor experiencing improved living conditions. Most homes now have color TVs, refrigerators, and fans, with increased access to modern housing and leisure infrastructure even in rural areas like Yacolidabouo. Initiatives like the Proner and Pept have contributed to this change, enabling connections to electricity with minimal initial costs. Private education is flourishing, and consumer habits are evolving, with supermarkets becoming more prevalent and catering to all social classes. The Ivorian government has increased the minimum wage and provided social transfers to the most disadvantaged, while individuals supplement their income through various entrepreneurial activities.

The article discusses the significant increase in transportation costs in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and its impact on the cost of living. It highlights the various strategies used by transporters to maximize profits, such as exploiting COVID-19 restrictions, increasing prices during peak hours, and not reducing fares when fuel prices drop. The article calls for consumer associations to be more vigilant and take action against these irrational gains by transporters.

In June 2021, a brutal massacre in Solhan, northern Burkina Faso, resulted in the deaths of 170 to 200 people, including many killed by child soldiers. The attack, carried out over two nights, targeted gold miners and villagers, with the attackers using motorbikes and receiving support from women familiar with the village. Despite the presence of local militias and a brief intervention by the army, the attackers returned to burn the village and loot its resources. The incident highlights the growing influence of jihadist groups in the Sahel region, the exploitation of informal gold mines for funding terrorism, and the challenges faced by local and international forces in curbing the violence. The massacre underscores the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel, with significant implications for regional and international security.

In June 2021, the village of Solhan in northern Burkina Faso experienced a brutal massacre over 48 hours, resulting in the deaths of 170 to 200 people. The attackers, including children, targeted gold miners and villagers, with women encouraging the violence. Despite warnings, the local militia and army failed to protect the village, leading to widespread destruction and looting. The incident highlights the growing influence of jihadist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS in the Sahel region, fueled by illicit gold mining. The crisis underscores the need for continued international military support to address the escalating violence and instability in the region.