Abidjan– The celebration of Mother’s Day in Aboisso, marked by the significant presence of former First Ladies Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo alongside current First Lady Dominique Ouattara, dominated the front pages of daily newspapers this Monday.
The 81st birthday of former President Laurent Gbagbo also garnered considerable attention across several publications, while other titles delved into national political developments, the activities of the PDCI-RDA party, and current economic affairs in Côte d’Ivoire.
Mother’s Day emerged as the primary subject extensively covered by the press. Notre Voie highlighted the “reunion of First Ladies in Aboisso: a beautiful example,” while L’Inter underscored that “Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo alongside Dominique Ouattara: a strong message of unity in Aboisso.” Following a similar theme, Le Matin observed that “Mmes Ouattara, Bédié, and Gbagbo magnify social cohesion.”
For its part, Le Patriote reported the First Lady’s remarks under the headline “Aboisso/ Dominique Ouattara to women: you are the silent builders of our society,” concurrently noting the tributes paid to Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo. L’Expression also featured this gathering on its front page: “Dominique Ouattara, Henriette Bédié, and Simone Gbagbo celebrate,” before elaborating on “How the bearers of humanity were celebrated.”
Additionally, the birthday of former head of state Laurent Gbagbo received special coverage across several newspapers. Le Temps announced that “President Laurent Gbagbo blew out his 81 candles.” L’Avenir revisited his career with the title “81 years, 40 years of political life, Laurent Gbagbo alas!”
Meanwhile, Notre Voie paid tribute to him, presenting him as “He blew out his 81 candles yesterday, May 31, 2026. Laurent Gbagbo, the extraordinary survivor of Ivorian politics.”
In other news, Le Nouveau Réveil focused on the 80th anniversary celebration of the PDCI-RDA, reporting on a “Great mobilization from the EAST zone for Thiam.” On the economic and institutional front, L’Expression featured on its front page: “The BCEAO ‘official supplier’ of the Prime Minister.”
Finally, L’Essor dwelled on criticisms targeting certain government figures with the headline: “Why TBO, Anne Oulotto, and Dimba are unsettling.”