The Ministry of Water and Forests in Côte d'Ivoire has issued an alert on the rising incidents of human-elephant conflicts in various parts of the country. The ministry is calling on the public, especially those living near classified forests and protected areas, to exercise caution when encountering stray elephants. This warning comes after several recent incidents were reported in different regions.
Recent cases of human-elephant conflicts have been documented in Dassioko, Glangoualé, and Badikaha. In one notable incident in Badikaha, a 29-year-old man, Touré Woli, was severely injured in August 2026 after being attacked by an elephant while working in a maize field. The elephant was part of a herd that included young elephants. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and caution.
Following the Badikaha incident, local leaders, including Deputy Karim Ouattara Pénawelfa and Commander Ablo N'drin Stéphane of the Niakara Water and Forests cantonment, visited the victim and his family to offer support and condolences. The ministry emphasizes that elephants, being fully protected species, can become aggressive when threatened or when protecting their young.
The Ministry of Water and Forests advises against any individual initiatives to provoke, surround, chase, or repel elephants. Instead, the public is urged to maintain a safe distance, slowly retreat, and allow the animal to move away while immediately alerting local authorities, chiefs, and Water and Forests services. The ministry also recommends that only authorized forest agents should handle elephant repulsion operations.
To minimize risks, the ministry suggests avoiding areas frequented by elephants and educating children and agricultural producers about the dangers associated with these animals. Authorities, community leaders, and local radios are encouraged to disseminate these guidelines widely. By issuing this alert, the ministry aims to enhance prevention and awareness in areas prone to human-elephant conflicts.
The Ministry of Water and Forests has assured the public that it is committed to maintaining its services on high alert to respond to affected populations. The ministry expressed its compassion to the victims and their families, reiterating that protecting the public is a priority and that caution is essential in preventing further accidents.
Through this alert, the ministry seeks to reinforce prevention and awareness, ensuring that the public is well-informed and prepared to handle encounters with stray elephants. The ministry's efforts focus on balancing human needs with the protection of wildlife, particularly endangered species like elephants.
Key points
- The Ministry of Water and Forests in Côte d'Ivoire warns of rising human-elephant conflicts.
- Recent incidents have been reported in Dassioko, Glangoualé, and Badikaha.
- The ministry advises the public to exercise caution and follow specific guidelines when encountering stray elephants.
