A financial scandal has erupted at College Yamousso Marie-Therese in Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire, where 104 million FCFA in state subsidies was allegedly misappropriated. The college, which aims to educate the country's elite, has been embroiled in a controversy involving the mismanagement of funds and questionable documentation. A collective of heirs to the late Kouyate Lassina, led by Kouyate Zoumana, has accused the college's administration of manipulating public funds.
The dispute centers on an ordonnance de justice, a court order, issued by the Tribunal de Premiere Instance de Bouake, which aimed to protect the assets of Kouyate Lassina's estate. The collective claims that despite notifying relevant authorities, including the Ministry of National Education, the misappropriation of funds continued. The 104 million FCFA subsidy was allegedly withdrawn from the college's accounts, with the collective suspecting that the amount could be as high as 200 million FCFA.
The collective has questioned the authenticity of documents used to justify the withdrawals, including a letter of nomination dated December 7, 1999, purportedly signed by Kouyate Lassina. However, an expert's report, dated June 23, 2026, concluded that the signature was not genuine. The collective finds it disturbing that such documents continue to be used by institutions with in-house legal departments.
The situation has led to the dismissal of seven administrative staff members, who received only 468,000 FCFA in severance pay after six years of service. One of the affected employees, Kouyate Papa Junior, has initiated legal proceedings against the college. The collective has called for an immediate investigation into the misappropriation of funds and the circumstances surrounding the staff dismissals.
The controversy has raised concerns among parents, who are worried about the impact on their children's education and future. The collective has urged Minister N'Guessan Koffi to intervene and ensure that an investigation is conducted into the college's management. They argue that taking 104 million FCFA in subsidies and then laying off staff for economic reasons appears incoherent.
The case has highlighted issues of governance and accountability in Cote d'Ivoire's education sector. The Ministry of National Education and the relevant authorities have yet to comment on the situation. The collective's efforts to bring the matter to light have sparked a wider debate about the need for transparency and effective oversight in the management of public funds.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are awaiting the minister's response to the allegations and the collective's demands for an investigation. The case has underscored the importance of ensuring that institutions, particularly those in the education sector, operate with integrity and accountability.
Key points
- 104 million FCFA subsidy misappropriated at College Yamousso in Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire.
- Collective of heirs accuses college administration of manipulating public funds and using questionable documentation.
- Minister N'Guessan Koffi urged to intervene and investigate the college's management.
