Drugs and cascading suicides: Alpha Diallo sounds the alarm and calls on the government

On April 9, 2026, Alpha Diallo, president of the African Democratic Alliance, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and Vice Prime Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara. He raised concerns about the urgent issues of mental health and addiction among youth in Côte d'Ivoire, proposing the establishment of an accessible network of rehabilitation centers. Diallo emphasized the easy access to drugs and alcohol, as well as the rising psychological issues such as depression and suicidal thoughts.