UNJCI Elects First Woman President in Historic Leadership Shift

The National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) has elected journalist and RTI 8 p.m. news anchor Marie-Laure N’Goran as its new President, marking a historic milestone for the country’s media landscape.

Her election took place during the 12th Ordinary Congress of the UNJCI held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the House of the Press in Abidjan-Plateau.

Marie-Laure N’Goran becomes the first woman in the history of the organization, founded in 1991, to lead the umbrella body of Ivorian journalists. She succeeds Jean-Claude Coulibaly after winning the vote with 244 ballots against 161 for her opponent, Stéphane Bahi of L’Éléphant Déchaîné, with three ballots declared blank.

The election is widely seen as a landmark moment for the profession, reflecting growing recognition of women’s leadership in Côte d’Ivoire’s media sector.

Beyond its symbolic significance, her victory highlights a career built on professional excellence and commitment to strengthening journalism and promoting ethical standards within the industry.

Her election comes at a critical time for the Ivorian press, which continues to face major challenges including digital transformation, the fight against misinformation, improving working conditions for journalists, and defending press freedom.

Organizers and delegates at the congress emphasized that the new leadership is expected to reinforce unity within the profession while advancing reforms aimed at modernizing and professionalizing the media landscape.

In her first remarks after the announcement of results, Marie-Laure N’Goran expressed gratitude to members of the union, pledging to serve with responsibility, humility, and determination.

Her election ushers in a new era for the UNJCI, with strong expectations surrounding her agenda and the reforms she intends to implement to strengthen the influence and credibility of journalism in Côte d’Ivoire.