In Côte d'Ivoire, a reimbursement plan for teachers who invested in a housing project has been rejected. The project, SOPHIA - MIDD, was initiated in 2008 to provide affordable housing for teachers. However, the project has stalled, and teachers have been seeking satisfaction for years. On November 3, 2026, a delegation of teachers met with Yacouba Coulibaly, Secretary General of the National Education Council, to express their concerns.
The meeting was held at the National Education Council's office in Cocody-Riviera Faya. The delegation, led by Mesmin Comoé, the project's initiator, presented their concerns to Coulibaly. They rejected a reimbursement proposal made by Touré Ahmed Bouah during the project's last general assembly. The teachers believe Bouah is no longer part of the project, as MIDD has partnered with another real estate operator.
The teachers are seeking an equitable solution and the preservation of their interests. Coulibaly assured them that the National Education Council would examine the case carefully and prioritize dialogue to find an acceptable solution. He promised to organize a roundtable discussion with all parties involved, including the teachers, MIDD, and other real estate operators.
The roundtable discussion aims to provide a platform for each party to present their arguments and contribute to finding a durable solution. A report will be submitted to the Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Education, seeking guidance and a definitive resolution. The National Education Council reaffirmed its commitment to accompanying the resolution of the concerns of national education personnel.
The project has been ongoing for 18 years, with teachers yet to see any tangible results. The National Education Council's efforts to find a solution are seen as a positive step towards resolving the issue. The council's approach prioritizes listening, social dialogue, and concerted solutions.
The reimbursement plan rejection highlights the complexities of the project and the need for a thorough examination of the situation. The involvement of multiple parties and the project's long history have contributed to the challenges in finding a solution. The National Education Council's commitment to finding an equitable solution is seen as crucial in resolving the matter.
The outcome of the roundtable discussion and the minister's guidance will be crucial in determining the next steps. The teachers' concerns and interests must be taken into account to ensure a fair and durable solution. The National Education Council's efforts will be closely watched as it seeks to resolve this long-standing issue affecting Côte d'Ivoire's education sector.
Key points
- The reimbursement plan for teachers in the SOPHIA - MIDD housing project has been rejected.
- The National Education Council will organize a roundtable discussion to find a solution.
- The project has been ongoing for 18 years, with no tangible results yet.
