Following the oil spill that affected 10 km of coastline (Modeste, Gbamelé and Azureti), the Director of the Ivorian Anti-Pollution Center (CIAPOL) provides insights into the management of this crisis and the responsibilities involved.

1. A technical incident classified as "minor"

Although the visual impact on 10 km of beach has made an impression on public opinion, Professor Yapo specifies that this is a Level 1 pollution (less than 10 tonnes).

1. The cause: A technical failure during a leak test of the lines of the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) at Buoy 2.
2. The volume: Approximately 7 to 8 tonnes of light crude oil leaked.
3. Procedure: As this volume was less than the threshold of 10 tonnes, the national POLLUMAR Plan was not triggered; management remained under the responsibility of the internal emergency plan of the SIR, supervised by the CIAPOL.

2. Timeline and alert management

The incident occurred on the night of December 27, 2025 .

1. Nighttime difficulties: Despite a drop in pressure detected as early as 10 p.m., the leak was only located the following morning at 6 a.m.
2. Official alert: CIAPOL was formally notified on December 28 at 2:42 p.m. by the Prefecture of Grand-Bassam.
3. Sanctions: Measures will be taken in accordance with the 2023 Environmental Code (articles 235 and 246) to determine responsibilities related to notification deadlines.

3. Environmental and health assessment

The Director sought to reassure the public about the environmental impact:

1. Wildlife: No fish or crustacean deaths were observed.
2. Waste collected: The cleanup resulted in the removal of 145 tonnes of debris , including 112 tonnes of contaminated sand and 33 tonnes of macro-waste.
3. Self-purification: As the oil was of the "light crude" type, a large part evaporated naturally under the effect of heat and wave action.

4. Public safety: The danger of social networks

A video showing a young girl in the immediate vicinity of the oil spill has circulated. Professor Yapo reiterates the serious risks involved:

"A spark from a phone could have caused an explosion or a fire. In case of pollution, never approach and immediately contact the emergency number: 05 54 14 00 00. "

5. Perspectives: Towards increased surveillance

CIAPOL acknowledges that while satellite and drone surveillance is effective during the day, the system needs to be strengthened for more efficient nighttime detection. With Côte d'Ivoire having become a major oil producer (Baleine and Caloa fields), CIAPOL's technical resources must be upgraded to cover its 566 km of coastline.

Key incident data	Details
Affected sites	Modeste, Gbamelé, Azureti
Product type	Light crude oil
Estimated volume	~ 7 tonnes
Waste removed	145 tonnes (sand and debris)
Beaches reopening	January 1, 2026

Towards eco-citizenship

In conclusion, Professor Yapo calls for global awareness: while oil spills are spectacular, daily plastic pollution remains the major challenge for Côte d'Ivoire's blue economy. He urges every citizen to be vigilant and respectful of the environment in 2026.