Grief: First Lady Dominique Ouattara Visits the Billon Family

First Lady Dominique Ouattara visited the Billon family residence in Cocody on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to personally express her condolences, as well as those of the President of the Republic, following the death of Mrs. Kada Billon, mother of former Ivorian minister and politician Jean-Louis Billon.

Mrs. Kada Billon passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Paris, leaving behind a deeply grieving family. Absent from the country at the time of this tragedy, the First Lady, who shared a close friendship with the deceased, made a point of visiting the family in person to offer her support and reaffirm the solidarity that binds them.

She was accompanied by a large delegation, including Mr. Toure Mamadou, Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service ; Ms. Myss Belmonde Dogo, Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity, and the Fight Against Poverty; and several close associates.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Toure Mamadou, spokesperson for the First Lady, recalled that the First Lady, upon learning of the passing of Mrs. Kada Billon, wished to offer her condolences in person, despite the funeral arrangements already underway. He emphasized the deep emotional bonds that united Mrs. Dominique Ouattara with the deceased, as well as with Mr. Jean-Louis Billon and his wife. He stressed the First Lady’s desire to convey, on her own behalf and on behalf of the President of the Republic, a message of comfort and compassion to the family.

He also indicated that, due to her close ties with the deceased, the First Lady remains a maternal figure for the Billon family. As such, she considers the Billon family an integral part of her extended family.

On behalf of the bereaved family, Mr. Diaby Siaka, spokesperson for the Billon family, expressed his profound gratitude to the First Lady and the President of the Republic for their unwavering support and guidance during this painful ordeal. He also commended the expressions of solidarity shown immediately upon the announcement of the death.

As a gesture of support, Mr. Toure Mamadou presented the family, on behalf of the First Lady, with a symbolic envelope containing five million CFA francs, intended to help with the reception and support of the many visitors who came to offer their condolences.