Ivory Coast: the return of the talking drum Djidji Ayôkwé takes on a political dimension

The ceremony was attended by political leaders, traditional chiefs, and thousands of spectators. A sacred object for the Bidjan people, the drum was taken in 1916 by the French colonial authorities.

After the military parade, the Djidji Ayôkwé opened the civil parade on the streets of Yopougon. Set up on a red truck and protected by a glass case, it was surrounded by two traditional Ebrie chiefs.

Participants dressed in traditional costumes accompanied its passage by solemnly singing its name. Many locals followed the scene with their mobile phones. “I am proud and happy,” testified Marie-Ange, a resident of Yopougon.

The drum was then taken to Adjamé, where a traditional ceremony was organized in the afternoon. This presentation marks the first public exhibition of the object since its return to Ivory Coast in March 2026.

A Symbol of Repatriation of Heritage

The Djidji Ayôkwé is presented as the first cultural piece returned by France to Ivory Coast as part of discussions on the return of African heritage works and objects. Its return was preceded by several years of negotiations between the two countries.

Beyond its cultural significance, the choice of Yopougon has a political dimension. The municipality, the largest and one of the most populated in the country, has long been considered a stronghold of former President Laurent Gbagbo. It has been led for about ten years by the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), the party of President Alassane Ouattara.

The Ivorian Head of State declared on Thursday evening that “development must benefit the entire national territory.” The highlighting of Yopougon during this national celebration also aims to display a willingness for unity in the main political and economic centers of the country.

Several opposition figures attended the ceremony, including former minister Charles Blé Goudé and leaders of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally (PDCI). In a video message, the president of the PDCI, Tidjane Thiam, praised the “gestures made in recent months” by the government and suggested that they reflected a willingness for openness and dialogue. The RHDP had specifically participated in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the PDCI.

The African People’s Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), a party formed by Laurent Gbagbo, did not take part in the festivities. Michel Gbagbo criticized the organization of the ceremony, mentioning more than 1,000 “political prisoners” and also denouncing the rising cost of living. These claims reflect the party’s position and have not been substantiated independently in available information.