The National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) opened a new chapter in its history on Sunday, June 7, 2026, following its 12th Ordinary Congress held at the House of the Press in Abidjan-Plateau.
At the end of the vote, journalist and 8 p.m. news anchor at RTI, Marie-Laure N’Goran, was elected President of the umbrella organization of Ivorian journalists.
This election marks a historic milestone. Thirty-five years after the creation of the UNJCI in 1991, Marie-Laure N’Goran becomes the first woman to lead the organization. She succeeds Jean-Claude Coulibaly, following a vote that opposed her to Stéphane Bahi, a journalist with the weekly newspaper L’Éléphant Déchaîné. She won with 244 votes against 161, while three ballots were declared blank.
Beyond its symbolic significance, her victory highlights the career of a professional widely recognized for her commitment to promoting journalism and strengthening the profession. Her election comes at a time when the Ivorian press faces major challenges, including adapting to digital transformation, combating misinformation, improving journalists’ working conditions, and defending press freedom.
Shortly after the results were announced, the new President expressed her gratitude to all delegates for the trust placed in her. In an emotional statement, she reaffirmed her determination to serve the organization with responsibility and commitment.
“Dear colleagues, I would like to sincerely thank you for your trust, your support, and your mobilization throughout this 12th UNJCI Congress. This expression of confidence honors me and strengthens my commitment to serving our union with responsibility, humility, and determination,” she said.
Her election has already raised great expectations within the profession. Many delegates see her as a leader capable of strengthening unity among media professionals and continuing efforts to improve the sector.
The 12th Congress also served as a platform for reflection on current challenges facing journalism in Côte d’Ivoire. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to ethics, deontology, and responsibility, which remain the foundations of the profession.
With Marie-Laure N’Goran at its helm, the UNJCI is entering a new dynamic. Attention now turns to the implementation of her agenda and the actions she will take to meet journalists’ expectations and further enhance the influence of the Ivorian press.