From our special correspondent in Abidjan – The inhabitants of Abidjan continue to celebrate Côte d’Ivoire’s third title in the African Cup of Nations, the day after the victory and the coronation of the Elephants against Nigeria. President Alassane Ouattara even declared a public holiday. Reporting.
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“It’s a holiday!” Tam Sir had a hollow nose for the intro to the CAN hit “Coup du Marteau”: in Abidjan, the day after the CAN 2024 final won by Ivory Coast, the atmosphere did not subside. On the Treichville market, a popular commune in the country’s economic capital, people woke up late and their eyes were still red from fatigue.
“I feel moved. I am so overwhelmed. I think I lack words for this victory,” explains “Mme Tranquille”. Proud of the team! Proud of the country! Proud to be Ivorian! Frankly, it’s spoiled (it will bring happiness, editor’s note) for a week.”
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On the stalls, there are few Ivory Coast jerseys available. They went by like hot cakes in the days leading up to the final: “Anyway, the third star is missing now,” laughs a passerby.
Public holiday in Ivory Coast
“The party continues. It doesn’t stop,” explains Mamady Digou, who watched the match at the fan zone at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville. “It’s a public holiday today.”
Indeed, in the jubilation of Côte d’Ivoire’s third victory, Alassane Ouattara declared Monday the day to give the Ivorians time to savor the victory… And probably to recover from the short night.
“It’s a holiday, off work and paid. Thank you president! We’re going to go to the parade to see the Elephants,” continues Ousmane Diallo, a friend of Mamady who saw the match with him.
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On Boulevard de la République, large groups of Ivorians are already crowding around. In a few hours, the Elephants must take it for the big trophy parade which will conclude at the Félicia stadium, located in the heart of the city, with a concert. The atmosphere is already hot:
“They are coming to present the cup to the nation. There is no program. It’s going to be hot!, jubilant Issiaka Traoré, 32, who takes the opportunity to sell flags and vuvuzuelas, third star already flocked to the jersey. We is proud of our Elephants.”
