Mourning: First Lady Dominique Ouattara offers her support to Professor Sylvia Da Silva-Anoma

On Wednesday, February 2026, First Lady Dominique Ouattara paid a condolence visit to the home of Professor Sylvia Da Silva-Anoma, pediatric surgeon and medical and scientific director of the Dominique Ouattara Mother and Child Hospital (HME) in Bingerville, following the death of her mother, Mrs. Coumba Da Silva Diawara.

Leading a large delegation, the wife of the Head of State expressed her personal condolences and solidarity with her close colleague, who has suffered a great loss. Mrs. Coumba Da Silva passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Abidjan, plunging her family and loved ones into deep sadness.

The delegation included the Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, Mr. Touré Mamadou, who was the spokesperson, as well as several other prominent figures.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Touré Mamadou emphasized the close ties of collaboration and affection that united the First Lady with Professor Sylvia Da Silva-Anoma. He noted that, although she was out of the country at the time of the tragedy, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara made a point of traveling to Abidjan upon her return to express her sympathy to the bereaved family.

On behalf of the Diawara family and relatives, Mr. Nouri Diawara, spokesperson, expressed his deep gratitude to the First Lady for her presence and constant support during this difficult time. Mr. Cheick Diawara, head of the family, also expressed his thanks. Deeply moved, Professor Sylvia Da Silva-Anoma recalled her mother’s admiration and affection for the First Lady.

Reaffirming the close relationship between Mrs. Dominique Ouattara and the woman he described as his “little sister,” Minister Touré Mamadou said that this visit reflected the First Lady’s desire to play her part in this time of mourning. On this occasion, a contribution of five million CFA francs was given to the family as a sign of solidarity.

The funeral was held in a solemn atmosphere, in accordance with Muslim rites. An initial condolence session was held on Sunday, January 25, at IVOSEP, in the Hamed Bakayoko room. This was followed on Monday, January 26, by the removal of the body from the Mohammed VI Mosque in Treichville, before the funeral prayer and burial at the Williamsville Cemetery, after the reading of the Holy Quran, the presentation of condolences, and the final blessings.

Through this gesture of humanity, the First Lady once again demonstrated her closeness and support to her colleagues in times of hardship.