Rumor – President Alassane Ouattara allegedly fled Ivory Coast after a coup attempt.
Analysis
In recent days, videos and texts have circulated on social media suggesting that a coup attempt was underway in Ivory Coast. The posts claim that President Alassane Ouattara had hastily left the country and that shootings were occurring in several regions of the capital, Abidjan. The alleged coup also reportedly caused internet disruptions and military movements in the streets.
In addition to the claims about Ivory Coast, the content links the supposed crisis to Burkina Faso’s president, Ibrahim Traoré (a figure frequently mentioned in online disinformation). The post seeks to reinforce conspiracy theories about instability in African countries, suggesting that Alassane Ouattara is an ally of France and an opponent of Traoré. It reads:
Breaking News: Suspected Coup d’État in Ivory Coast — President Ouattara Allegedly Fled the Country. An alleged coup d’état is underway in Ivory Coast on Wednesday, May 21. According to local press, heavy gunfire has been reported in the capital, Abidjan, and internet access has been disrupted in several areas of the country.
Sources on the ground report military movements and shootings in the streets, increasing tension and uncertainty. Unconfirmed reports suggest that President Alassane Ouattara fled the country and went to Uganda. Ouattara is often cited as one of France’s main allies in Africa, with some sources accusing him of supporting efforts to destabilize the regime led by Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso.
Fact-check
The content spread beyond the borders of Ivory Coast. Therefore, let’s verify the truthfulness of the content by answering the following questions: 1) Who is Alassane Ouattara? 2) Was there a coup attempt in Ivory Coast? 3) Did the president flee the country after an alleged coup?
Who is Alassane Ouattara?
Alassane Ouattara is the current president of Ivory Coast, in office since 2011. A U.S.-educated economist, he previously worked for the IMF and was governor of the Central Bank of West African States. Ouattara is a key figure in West African politics and an ally of Western countries such as France. His government has faced internal political tensions, but there is no indication he left the country or was ousted in a recent coup.
Was there a coup attempt in Ivory Coast?
No. There are no reliable reports from international agencies, African news outlets, or institutions indicating a coup attempt in Ivory Coast on May 21, 2025. On the contrary, sources like Business Day debunked the rumors, reporting that Ouattara chaired a cabinet meeting normally, without any disruption of government activities.
Moreover, Dazzling Dawn reported that the president appeared publicly the day after the false allegations. In a live broadcast, he was seen at official events, and none of the rumors — such as shootings or internet blackouts — were confirmed by credible sources.
Did Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara flee after a coup?
No. Alassane Ouattara remains in Ivory Coast and continues his presidential duties. He did not flee to Uganda, as the rumors suggest. A cabinet meeting broadcast was even streamed live on social media, as shown in this live shared on X.
Claims about his escape are baseless and part of an effort to stir international alarm through conspiracy theories. It’s worth noting that Ibrahim Traoré, president of Burkina Faso, has been the subject of several fake news stories, as shown here, here, and here.
Conclusion
There was no coup attempt in Ivory Coast in May 2025. Alassane Ouattara remains in office and has not left the country. Reliable sources debunked the rumors, and the president appeared publicly and chaired official meetings. The allegations are part of a recurring false narrative about instability in West Africa.
Fake news ❌
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