Dr Bamba Maférima Fouété, the mayor of Séguéla in Côte d'Ivoire's Worodougou region, passed away in the night of September 17-18, 2026, in France, due to illness. The news of her death sent shockwaves through the city, with residents and officials alike mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant. As the mayor of Séguéla since September 2023, Dr Fouété had been instrumental in implementing various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of her constituents.
Before taking on the role of mayor, Dr Fouété had a distinguished career in public administration, specializing in taxation and management. In 2021, she earned a doctorate in management sciences from the Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké, with a thesis on tax evasion. Her professional experience also included stints in expert accounting, having obtained diplomas from France and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) in 2019.
Dr Fouété's entry into local politics began in 2018 when she was elected as vice-president of the Worodougou Regional Council. Five years later, she was elected as the mayor of Séguéla with 41 votes out of 49, becoming the first female mayor of the city. Upon her election, she emphasized her commitment to serving all residents, stating that she was "the mayor of all" without distinction.
During her tenure as mayor, Dr Fouété initiated several projects aimed at transforming Séguéla. In 2024, the municipal council adopted a three-year program (2025-2027) that included projects such as the construction of a new town hall, abattoir, municipal pool, youth center, waste management, and road maintenance. By March 2026, several projects had been completed, including the construction of a youth center, school infrastructure, and a municipal building.
Dr Fouété's mayoral term was also marked by various social initiatives. In June 2024, the municipality distributed 12 cows and three sheep to residents during the Tabaski celebrations. Two months later, she launched an excellence award for top-performing students in Séguéla, providing them with school kits, tablets, and computers. Additionally, she championed environmental causes, launching a tree-planting campaign in September 2024 to make Séguéla the "green capital" of the Woroba district.
The impact of Dr Fouété's passing will be felt across Séguéla, with several projects left unfinished. At the first ordinary session of the 2026 municipal council, proposed projects included the renovation of the Hamed Bakayoko Sports Complex, rehabilitation of the cultural center, construction of a new communal market, and road maintenance. Her legacy, however, will live on through the numerous initiatives she implemented and the lives she touched during her time in office.
The municipal council and staff have extended their condolences to Dr Fouété's family and the people of Worodougou. While the funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of the official statement, the city is expected to pay its respects to the late mayor in the coming days. Côte d'Ivoire has lost a dedicated public servant, and Séguéla mourns the loss of its mayor.
Key points
- Dr Bamba Maférima Fouété, the mayor of Séguéla, Côte d'Ivoire, has died in France at the age of unknown.
- Dr Fouété had a distinguished career in public administration, specializing in taxation and management.
- During her tenure as mayor, Dr Fouété initiated several projects aimed at transforming Séguéla.
