Abidjan — The heartfelt celebration of Mother’s Day in Aboisso, where former First Ladies Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo joined current First Lady Dominique Ouattara, dominated newspaper front pages on June 1, 2026.

The gathering drew widespread attention, with multiple publications highlighting the symbolic moment as a powerful statement of unity. Notre Voie featured the headline “Reunited First Ladies in Aboisso: A Beautiful Example,” while L’Inter emphasized the significance with “Henriette Bédié and Simone Gbagbo Stand Beside Dominique Ouattara: A Strong Message of Unity in Aboisso.”

Le Matin praised the occasion, declaring “First Ladies Ouattara, Bédié, and Gbagbo Elevate Social Cohesion.” The event also sparked reflections on the roles of women in society, with Le Patriote quoting Dominique Ouattara’s message to attendees: “You are the silent builders of our society.”

Meanwhile, the milestone birthday of former President Laurent Gbagbo captured the spotlight in several newspapers. Le Temps marked the occasion with “President Laurent Gbagbo Blows Out 81 Candles,” while L’Avenir reflected on his decades-long political journey in “81 Years, 40 Years in Politics, Laurent Gbagbo: A Remarkable Survivor.”

Notre Voie hailed him as “Laurent Gbagbo: The Extraordinary Survivor of Ivorian Politics,” celebrating his resilience and enduring influence. Beyond these headline events, the 80th anniversary of the PDCI-RDA drew attention in Le Nouveau Réveil, which reported on the party’s robust mobilization efforts in the eastern region.

The economic and institutional landscape also featured prominently. L’Expression ran a provocative headline: “Central Bank of West African States: The Official Supplier of Prime Ministers.” Meanwhile, L’Essor scrutinized government figures in “Why TBO, Anne Oulotto, and Dimba Stir Controversy.”