The lagoon transport sector in Koumassi has come to a sudden halt. Under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Dougoné Serge , a large-scale operation conducted by the maritime police led to the impounding of nine pirogues and the immediate removal of their engines. This security crackdown aims to clean up a sector too often plagued by lawlessness.

From awareness to force: a lightning operation

Launched in the early hours of the morning at the Saint-Michel landing stage, the operation surprised transport operators. After several months of unsuccessful awareness campaigns, the authorities took action.

"We are now in the repression phase. This operation is only the beginning of a vast national campaign that will last all year," Lieutenant-Colonel Dougoné Serge emphasized.

Offenses under scrutiny

The maritime police have identified several serious shortcomings that endanger the lives of users:

1. Lack of life jackets (or insufficient quantity).
2. Systematic overloading of boats.
3. Lack of administrative documents (non-compliant insurance and registration cards).

A necessary evil for users

While this operation has paralyzed transportation, particularly affecting the local fish trade, the public's reception has been generally positive. For many, the memory of the Tiaha tragedy in April 2025 , where 12 students perished in a shipwreck, is still fresh.

In summary: Safety on the water can no longer be optional. By cracking down hard in Koumassi, the maritime police are sending a clear message to all pinasse owners in Côte d'Ivoire: respecting navigation standards is a matter of survival.