First Lady Dominique Ouattara officially presented donations worth 130 million CFA francs to the Muslim community on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the headquarters of the Children of Africa Foundation, in preparation for the month of Ramadan.

These donations consist of 3,000 bags of rice; 2,000 bags of sugar; 1,200 cartons of oil; 3,000 bags of pasta; 500 cartons of canned tomato paste; and 500 cartons of canned milk. They are intended for religious guides, mosques in the District of Abidjan and in the countryside, about sixty NGOs and Muslim associations as well.

In her address, the First Lady expressed her joy at meeting with the Muslim community, as she does every year, to offer her support and solidarity during this period of fasting, prayer, and sharing. Noting the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lent in 2026, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara emphasized the symbolic significance of this convergence, considering it a powerful message of fraternity and mutual respect. "The differences in practices enrich our communities and strengthen our national unity," she stated.

Recalling that this act of solidarity has become an annual event for the Foundation, she explained that the goal is to enable beneficiary families to experience the month of Ramadan with dignity and peace of mind.

The First Lady paid a heartfelt tribute to religious leaders, notably Cheickoul Aïma Ousmane Diakité, President of the Higher Council of Imams in Côte d'Ivoire (COSIM), Cheick Sonta Moustapha, Caliph General of the Tijaniyya order, Imam Cissé Djiguiba, and Caliph Sy Savané Mohamed Lamine. She commended their contribution to peace and social cohesion in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ms. Myss Belmonde Godo, Minister of Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, thanked the First Lady for her act of solidarity during this month of Ramadan. "Through this generous gesture, you are enabling many families to experience this blessed month with dignity and peace of mind," she stated. Ms. Belmonde also emphasized the importance of this month of sharing and spirituality. According to her, "The month of Ramadan holds a vital place in the life of a Muslim. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents a time of fasting, prayer, spiritual purification, and strengthening the values ​​of brotherhood and generosity." The Minister of Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty reiterated that this act of solidarity from the First Lady is fully aligned with the vision "For a Great Ivory Coast" championed by the President of the Republic. "Thanks to this vision and the commitment of the Government (...), our country is definitelly moving towards greater solidarity, social justice and achieving the living together," she said.