Death of his wife: First Lady Dominique Ouattara offers her condolences to Minister Laurent Tchagba

First Lady Dominique Ouattara visited the Tchagba family home in the town of Attécoubé on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to offer her condolences and those of her husband, President of the Republic Alassane Ouattara, following the death of Mrs. Tchagba, née Agoba Ehouo-Bie Marie-Catherine, wife of Minister Counselor to the Presidency of the Republic, Laurent Tchagba.

This compassionate visit took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mr. Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service; Mr. Siandou Fofana; and many other dignitaries. Minister Danho Paulin, mayor of the commune of Attécoubé, was also alongside Minister Laurent Tchagba to welcome the delegation.

Mrs. Tchagba, who died on February 10, 2026, in Paris, leaves behind a deeply grieving family. Wife of Minister Laurent Tchagba since April 17, 1982, she shared with him a relationship marked by a long-standing bond that began in their college years.

On behalf of the First Lady, Minister Mamadou Touré expressed the deep sadness felt by the wife of the Head of State upon hearing the news of this loss. He recalled the close ties between the presidential couple and Minister Laurent Tchagba, a colleague of the President of the Republic, emphasizing that he was considered a member of their family.

Minister Touré also referred to the trials Minister Tchagba had already endured, notably the loss of his children, recalling how painful the death of his wife was yet another ordeal. “It was to show her solidarity and brotherhood that the First Lady insisted on coming in person to offer her condolences and those of the President of the Republic,” he said, before urging Minister Laurent Tchagba to remain strong in the face of this painful ordeal.

On behalf of the bereaved family, Moussa Dagani Kader, Chief of Staff to Minister Tchagba and spokesperson for the family, expressed the gratitude of the deceased’s relatives to the presidential couple for their constant support since the announcement of Mrs. Tchagba’s death.

On this occasion, Minister Mamadou Touré also presented, on behalf of the First Lady, a symbolic envelope containing five million CFA francs to support the family in organizing the funeral and welcoming the many visitors.

The funeral of Mrs. Marie-Catherine Tchagba is taking place in Abidjan according to a schedule established by the family. Condolence sessions were held from March 1st to 3rd in Deux-Plateaux Vallon, then on March 4th and 5th in Marcory, before continuing from March 6th to 8th in Abidjan-Agban.

 Prayer vigils are also planned for March 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2026 in Abidjan-Agban, in the presence of relatives, friends, and close family members.

The burial ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at the Williamsville cemetery, following a requiem mass to be celebrated in Abidjan-Agban.