The Ivorian institutional landscape is undergoing a major transformation. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026 , by presidential decree, Gaoussou Touré , former minister-governor, was appointed head of the institution. He thus becomes the fourth person to hold this strategic position for social peace.

A bit of history: From OPREM to the current Ombudsman

The adventure of institutional mediation in Ivory Coast is not new, but it has evolved considerably:

1. 1995: Creation of the Presidential Mediation Body ( OPREM ) by decree No. 95-816. At the time, the leader held the title of "Grand Mediator".
2. 2000: With the advent of the 2nd Republic (Law No. 2000-513), the body was officially renamed "The Ombudsman of the Republic" .
3. 2016: This status is consolidated and renewed in the Constitution of the 3rd Republic.

What is the role of the Ombudsman of the Republic?

Considered as a "shield" for the citizen, the Ombudsman of the Republic's main mission is to strengthen social cohesion .

Its specific missions:

1. Protecting citizens: It ensures that the rights of every citizen (including children and people with disabilities) are respected in dealings with the public administration.
2. Righting injustices: It deals with complaints concerning abuses or harm caused by a state service.
3. Arbitrating disputes: He intervenes in disputes which, in the past, were submitted directly to the arbitration of the Head of State.

Who can seize it and how?

The institution is accessible to any person, whether natural (individual) or legal (company, association), residing in Ivory Coast.

Important: You can contact the Ombudsman if you believe you are a victim of a malfunction in a public service (prefecture, town hall, ministry, etc.).

The limits of his competence

The Ombudsman is not a universal judge. He cannot intervene to:

1. Purely political conflicts.
2. Private disputes between two individuals or two companies (without connection to the administration).

Timeline of leaders: 30 years of mediation

Since its creation, four prominent figures have led the institution:

Period	Name	Quality / Title
1996 — 2011	Mathieu Vangha Ekra	First Grand Mediator
2011 — 2017	N'golo Coulibaly	Economist
2018 — 2026	Adama Tounkara	Former Mayor of Abobo
Since March 2026	Gaoussou Touré	Former Minister-Governor