Flood victims in Attecoube

My dear brothers and Sisters from Attécoubé,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great sadness that I rise among you this morning to acknwledge the tragic incident that took place,  of which you were unfortunately the victims. I came to bring you little comfort.

First of all, I would like to convey to you the compassion and affectionate greetings of my beloved husband, President Alassane Ouattara.

The heavy rains have caused serious flooding in several neighborhoods of Abidjan, including Attécoubé. Many families have been affected by the floods ; many have been forced from their homes and lost their lives. Indeed, dear brothers and sisters, many of you have lost a loved one, others their homes and livelihoods.

I could not stay away from you in such a difficult moment. My dear brothers and sisters, in the midst of this tragedy, I have decided to come and express to you all my compassion, and stand with you in the pain…

Ladies and Gentlemen,

From the first calls for help,  important measures have been taken by the Ivorian Government to help people that have been affected most by the severe flooding. To this end, I would like to thank the Ivorian Government for their fast and practical assistance to  victims.  I would specially like to thank Ms Mariatou KONE, Minister of Solidarity, Women and Child Protection, for standing with us this morning.

I would also like to thank and encourage the District of Abidjan, headed by Governor Beugré MAMBE ; General Kili Fiacre FAGNIDI, Director General of ONPC for the remarkable work that has been done. Thanks  to  Firefighters ; police and gendarmerie officers; doctors and caregivers; and all the volunteers who gave of their time and energy since the first day to help victims. Congratulation on your excellent work.

I also offer my thanks to the Mayor DANHO Paulin, and the city council for providing assistance to victims of Attécoubé.

I would also like to highlight the amount of solidarity flowing in from people all over the country to provide support to victims and help devastated communities. That was an excellent illustration of brotherwood which shows we can live together.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have decided to come to provide you with foodstuffs and in-kind donations. I hope that will be very useful to ensure your comfort before you return to your homes.

I also have to say that I am deeply saddened by the situation of our brothers and sisters living in other cities of the country, who have been affected by the flooding.

I will ask you to stay srtong in order to overcome these difficulties. I will remain by your side.

Thank you.