A wave of rumors recently swept across Ivorian social media, claiming that Professor Abdourahamane Sangaré , Director General of the National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), had been arrested. Faced with the extent of these rumors, the institution issued a formal denial to set the record straight.

The outlines of a persistent rumor

It all began on April 9, 2026 , when a post—widely shared by pages close to the opposition—announced the researcher's arrest at his home. The stated reason? Alleged dissent related to the budget management of agricultural research.

According to these publications, Professor Sangaré was allegedly sanctioned for:

1. Having criticized the high costs of scientific partnerships with Europe (especially France).
2. Having advocated a strategic rapprochement with Burkina Faso .
3. Having demanded the purchase of a scanning electron microscope to empower local research.

The CNRA's development

The institution was quick to react to quell the media firestorm. In an official statement, the communications department described these accounts as "pure fabrications" and "false information."

The CNRA provides specific details from the field:

1. Freedom of movement: Professor Abdourahamane Sangaré has never been harassed by the authorities.
2. Normal activity: He was present at his post on Friday, April 10, 2026 , where he led several work sessions.
3. Technical denial: The grievances concerning the acquisition of equipment or the choices of partnerships are deemed imaginary and intended to destabilize the institution.

Towards legal proceedings?

The CNRA now reserves the right to take legal action against those responsible for this "fake news" that damages the reputation of its governance. Reaffirming its mission to ensure food sovereignty for Côte d'Ivoire, the institution calls for vigilance in the face of the viral nature of social media.

Note: To date, no factual evidence supports the arrest theory, the official version of the CNRA remaining the only confirmed reference.